CHENNAI: Merely because film producers have announced the release date of the film, they cannot insist on the authorities to issue censor certificates expeditiously, the Union govt told Madras high court on Tuesday.Additional solicitor general A R L Sundaresan made the submission, when a petition filed by the producer of Vijay-starrer Jana Nayagam came up for admission before Justice P T Asha. The producers sought directions to the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) to issue a certificate for the theatrical release of the movie on Jan 9.“So far, the board did not take a final decision on issuance of a certificate to the film and, therefore, the chairperson of the board was empowered to refer the movie to the revising committee,” Sundaresan said, adding that it was sent to the committee as a complaint had been received against the film.Earlier, Justice Asha allowed a mention made by senior advocate Satish Parasaran on behalf of KVN Production LLP. Counsel submitted that the producer applied for certification of the film on Dec 18, 2025. On Dec 22, the CBFC communicated that the examining committee recommended the grant of a “UA 16+” certificate for the movie, subject to compliance with certain modifications. He said it was communicated that the “UA 16+” certificate was granted since the film contained a brief portrayal of religious sentiments and frequent and sustained fight sequences.On Dec 24, the recommended modifications were complied with, and the film was resubmitted. On Dec 29, the producer of the movie was informed by the board that the film would be granted a “UA 16+” certificate. However, on Jan 5, the board informed the producer that the film was referred to the revising committee in view of a complaint received against the movie, he said.“Issuance of certification cannot be delayed, and the reopening of the certification cannot be done on a vague, undisclosed complaint,” he said.Recording the submissions, the court directed the ASG to produce a copy of the complaint received by the board and adjourned the hearing to Wednesday.
