Actor and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has reacted to the censor controversy surrounding the Tamil film Jana Nayagan. The film, which was meant to mark Vijay’s final movie before entering politics full-time, has been stuck due to certification delays. It was scheduled to hit theatres in January this year. The makers suggested political interference was causing the delay and hinted at a connection to the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. However, Pawan Kalyan, who is part of the ruling coalition, dismissed these claims.
Pawan Kalyan on Jana Nayagan row
Speaking to Thanthi TV, Pawan Kalyan said that decisions made by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) are independent of political influence. “The Jana Nayagan issue was not handled well at the censor board level. They’re blaming the NDA, and that’s not right,” Pawan said, according to a report by India Today.
Pawan further gave the example of his own film, OG. He said members of the film fraternity suggested that since he is part of the ruling alliance, his film might receive a lenient certificate. “My producers and director said, ‘You’re part of the NDA, and your film has been censored A.’ I asked them how they expected a U/A certificate with all the violence portrayed. I told them a rule is a rule and cannot be tailor-made for those who are part of the ruling government. The CBFC still issued an A certificate. Even if I tried to use my connections to influence the CBFC, they would clearly tell me that governance and film censorship cannot be linked and that they’re separate bodies,” Pawan said.
Pawan Kalyan also questioned the makers’ decision to approach the court. He said that once a matter reaches the judiciary, the outcome is no longer fully in the hands of the filmmaker or the censor board.
About the Jana Nayagan CBFC row
Jana Nayagan, projected as Vijay’s final film before his political foray, was slated for a January 9 release, coinciding with the Pongal festival. The producer, KVN Productions, approached the Madras High Court alleging an unreasonable delay by the CBFC despite complying with all suggested modifications.
According to the producers, the application for certification was submitted on December 18, 2025. After a personal hearing, the Examining Committee recommended a ‘UA 16+’ certificate on December 22, citing violence, fight sequences, gory visuals, and brief references to religious sentiments.
The required excisions and modifications were implemented, and a revised version was resubmitted on December 24. The changes were verified on December 29, and the producers were informed that the ‘UA 16+’ certificate would be granted.
However, matters took an unexpected turn when a complaint from one of the committee members raised concerns about certain themes and visuals, particularly their potential impact on public sentiment. The film was then referred to a revising committee, delaying certification and prompting the makers to approach the court.
During a hearing on February 10, the Madras High Court permitted the producers to withdraw their plea. This effectively closed the legal chapter and allowed the film to proceed through the CBFC’s standard review process. However, the release date remains uncertain.
