Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay’s highly anticipated political thriller, ‘Jana Nayagan,’ has finally received an ‘A’ certificate from the CBFC. The board mandated 12 significant edits, including the removal of sensitive political and religious references, paving the way for its theatrical release this month.
Key Points
CBFC ordered 12 edits in Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' to secure an 'A' certificate for its release.
Key references removed include TVK, the Indian flag, and mentions of Dr. BR Ambedkar.
Religious terms like Bhagavathan, Ranganathar, OM, and a Saddam Hussein dialogue were muted or removed.
Despite 20 seconds of cuts and 10 seconds of replacements, the film's runtime remains 183 minutes.
Controversial Edits Mandated by CBFC
Most of the edits involve political references, religious mentions, and scenes the board considered sensitive.
Jana Nayagan has finally crossed its biggest hurdle. After months of delays, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay’s much-awaited political thriller, his last film in the industry, has been cleared by the CBFC with an ‘A’ certificate. The board approved the film after asking the makers to make several changes, paving the way for its theatrical release later this month.
What changes did the CBFC ask for?
Among the other changes, the CBFC directed the makers to modify the dialogue “Ambedkar… to… TVK sattam” and alter a book cover carrying Dr. BR Ambedkar’s image. Religious terms including Bhagavathan, Ranganathar, and OM have been muted, while the word OM has specifically been removed from a dialogue explaining Operation Meluha.
Key References Removed from Jana Nayagan
The board also objected to a few dialogues, asking the team to mute one referring to Saddam Hussein’s execution and another containing the line “India en kalla vizha vaikaren,” which translates to “I am holding a secret celebration in India.”
Several visual changes were ordered as well. A shot showing a District Collector’s office badge being rolled down was removed, and the entire dialogue beginning with “Ponnoda… kuduthu vachirukkanu, Udambu erukkunu (He’s lucky to have a daughter like that… and she’s got a fine physique)” has been muted. The CBFC also instructed the makers to replace a scene involving a child-burning visual, mute the word “Siluvailla,” and replace the name “Sheela Rani” wherever it appeared in the film.
Altogether, the board directed nearly 20 seconds of cuts and about 10 seconds of replacements. Despite the changes, the film’s runtime remains unchanged at 183 minutes and 11 seconds.
Why the Delay? The Certification Process
Why was the film delayed?
Reports said the examining committee had initially recommended a ‘U/A’ certificate. But after a committee member raised an internal complaint, the film was sent to the revising committee, delaying the certification process by several months. With no decision in sight, the makers approached the court to seek clearance for the film.
The delay took another turn in April when HD prints of the film leaked online before its release. The incident led to a police investigation, and nine people have reportedly been arrested in connection with the leak.
Despite numerous cuts and replacements, ‘Jana Nayagan’ maintains its original runtime, signaling a complex journey through censorship. The film’s release marks a significant moment for Vijay and the industry, highlighting ongoing debates around creative freedom and regulatory oversight.
