Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai
Chennai, Jan 7: What began as speculation over how many box-office records ‘Thalapathy’ Vijay’s much-hyped political actioner Jana Nayagan would shatter has now turned into uncertainty over whether the film will even release on its scheduled date. An inordinate delay in receiving clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has cast a shadow over the film’s planned January 9 release.
The makers of Jana Nayagan approached the Madras High Court on Tuesday seeking urgent relief. However, the court did not grant immediate reprieve and adjourned the hearing to Wednesday afternoon. During the proceedings, the CBFC informed the court that a fresh committee has been constituted to review the film once again.
Questioning the urgency, the High Court reportedly asked the petitioners why the release could not be postponed from January 10, further deepening uncertainty around the film’s release. As a result, theatres across Tamil Nadu have largely refrained from opening advance bookings, with only limited ticket sales beginning in a few states.
Adding to the Pongal release confusion, director Sudha Kongara’s Sivakarthikeyan-starrer Parasakthi, slated for release on January 10, is also reportedly awaiting CBFC certification. Advance bookings for the film have not begun in full swing, indicating that both major releases are facing similar hurdles.
Despite the uncertainty, Vijay’s fans remain hopeful that Jana Nayagan—widely believed to be the actor’s last film before his full-fledged entry into politics—will hit screens as announced. However, tensions have flared amid the impending Pongal clash, with some Vijay fans expressing resentment over Parasakthi releasing alongside Jana Nayagan. A theatre owner in Kumbakonam alleged harassment after choosing to screen Parasakthi, stating on social media that the decision was taken for “several reasons,” despite having screened most of Vijay’s films in the past.
While Jana Nayagan remains the most talked-about film of the festive season due to Vijay’s political transition, its promotional content has received mixed responses. In contrast, Parasakthi has drawn strong attention for its intriguing period-political theme and visually rich trailer.
On YouTube, Jana Nayagan’s official Tamil trailer has garnered around 40 million views and 1.3 million likes within three days, while Parasakthi has surged ahead with 43 million views and over 4.6 lakh likes in less than two days.
As certification delays continue, all eyes are now on the CBFC and the High Court, with distributors, theatre owners, and fans anxiously awaiting clarity ahead of the crucial Pongal box-office window.