Daijiworld Media Network – Chennai

Chennai, Feb 10: The Madras High Court on Tuesday permitted KVN Productions, the makers of Vijay-starrer “Jana Nayagan”, to withdraw their petition challenging the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) certification process. Justice PT Asha granted the request filed by the production house’s advocate, Vijayan Subramaniam, after KVN Productions informed the court that they wished to proceed with the CBFC’s review process instead of continuing litigation. The case was subsequently listed under the caption “for withdrawal.”

The film, which is expected to be actor Vijay’s final movie before entering politics, had faced delays in certification by the CBFC. The production house had approached the High Court after the Board allegedly failed to issue a “UA” certificate despite making the requested modifications. KVN Productions had also questioned the CBFC Chairperson’s decision to send the movie to the revising committee after initially promising certification.

The CBFC had stated that the film was referred to the revising committee following a complaint from a member of the examining committee, who alleged that his objections regarding certain scenes — which could potentially hurt religious sentiments and misrepresent armed forces — were not addressed.

Earlier, on January 9, a single judge had ruled in favour of the producers, directing the CBFC to certify the film immediately. The court had observed that the Chairperson’s decision to refer the movie for review after assuring certification was beyond jurisdiction. However, the division bench later stayed the single judge’s order, criticizing the producers for creating “urgency” and putting pressure on the judicial system. The bench ultimately set aside the single judge’s ruling, stating that the CBFC had not been given an adequate opportunity to present its case and sent the matter back for fresh adjudication, directing the producers to amend their prayer accordingly.

With the withdrawal now permitted, KVN Productions will continue the review process with the CBFC, effectively ending the litigation over the certification delay.