H Vinoth’s latest film, Jana Nayagan, featuring Tamil star Vijay, is currently facing delays with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). This film is significant as it marks Vijay’s last role before he ventures into politics. Initially scheduled for a January 9 release, the film’s certification status remains unresolved, despite the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) noting improvements in certification timelines.
According to the MIB, the average time required for film certification has reportedly dropped to just 18 days, courtesy of the Online Certificate System. This improvement contrasts with the previous threshold of 48 days. Additionally, short films are being processed even more quickly, averaging three days for certification.
The CBFC operates under the Cinematograph Act of 1952 and follows the recently updated Cinematograph (Certification) Rules from 2024. In light of the abolition of the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) in 2021, the MIB also disclosed details on the number of films certified each year and those that have been challenged in the revising committee or High Court. The timelines for reviews conducted by the revising committee are reportedly meeting the regulations set forth in the new rules.
The revising committee also serves as a multi-level grievance platform for filmmakers, allowing them to appeal decisions made by the CBFC. The committee issues recommendations for cuts or modifications if the film’s content contravenes certain statutory standards, which include issues related to national security, public order, and morality, among others.
In instances where filmmakers contest the CBFC’s decisions, the Cinematograph Act allows for appeals to the High Court. The government has expressed its commitment to ensuring a transparent certification process that respects creative freedom and adheres to the requirements established under the Act.
The situation surrounding Jana Nayagan has become contentious. Producers KVN Productions submitted the film to the CBFC on December 18 and were informed four days later about the need for 14 cuts, with the intended certification being UA 16+. Following a lack of communication from the CBFC, the producers sought legal recourse from the Madras High Court to expedite the certification.
A single-judge bench of the court directed the CBFC to issue certification. However, this order was subsequently stayed by a bench of the High Court, prompting the producers to approach the Supreme Court, which recommended that they first seek remedies at the High Court. As of now, there has been no resolution for the Jana Nayagan team, as the matter has been returned to a single-judge bench. Both the CBFC and KVN Productions have refrained from confirming whether the film has progressed to the revising committee.