Jana Nayagan Movie: Madras High Court Flags Risk Of CBFC Examining Committee Members Going Back On Recommendation To Certify Film

The Madras High Court on Friday flagged the risk of CBFC Examining Committee members retracting their recommendations to certify a film.

Justice PT Asha observed that such a u-turn by any member would give rise to a "dangerous trend", eroding the sanctity of CBFC's decision.

"Further, such a volte face by a member of an Examining committee who had made a recommendation after viewing and assimilating the film would give rise to a dangerous trend of members reneging on their recommendation and the sanctity placed on the decision of the Examining Committee of the CBFC would stand eroded," the court observed. 

The development comes in connection with the row over certification of actor turned politician Vijay starrer "Jana Nayagan" film.

Initially, the Examining Committee had recommended granting a "UA" certificate for the movie, subject to the compliance of certain excisions and modifications specified in its communication to the producers.

However, subsequently, the film was sent for review, in view of a complaint made by one of the members of the Examining Committee.

The member alleged that that his objections were not considered. He claimed that film hurts religious sensibilities and its portrayal of the armed forces is objectionable.

The Court however found that the complainant's grievance appears to be an "afterthought" and "motivated".

The court also observed that the examining committee, through the Chairperson had already informed the producers of their decision to grant "UA" certificate for the movie, subject to certain incisions/modifications. It held that the chairperson's power to send the movie for review would come to an end once the decision was communicated to the producers. 

"A mere perusal of the above would clearly show that the Authority viz., the Chairperson has decided on behalf of the Board to take further action in conformity with the unanimous recommendation of the Examining Committee. Therefore, on and from 22.12.2025 the power of the Chairperson to exercise his power under Rule 25 came to an end. Therefore, the decision of the Chairperson which has been uploaded only on 06.01.2026 is without jurisdiction," the court said. 

The court thus noted that once the Board had informed that a UA certificate would be issued after incisions, such certificate should automatically follow after the modifications. 

"Further, the letter dated 22.12.2025 clearly spells out the recommendation of the Examining Committee as accepted by the Board which was “to grant UA certification subject to excision”. Therefore, once the excisions are done the certification automatically follows," the court said. 

The court concluded that the letter issued by the Chairperson, sending the movie to the review committee was without jurisdiction. The court, thus, exercised its inherent jurisdiction under Article 226, and ordered that the film be granted UA certificate forthwith.

Significant to note that an appeal against the single judge's direction will be heard at 3.30 pm today.

Case Title: M/s. KVN Productions LLP v. Central Board of Film Certification and another

Case No: WP 380 of 2026