CBFC Mandates 12 Changes in Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan', Including TVK and Ambedkar References
After a seven-month certification process, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has granted an 'A' certificate to the Tamil film 'Jana Nayagan' starring Vijay. The clearance, however, came with 12 mandatory modifications, including changes to references linked to Vijay's political party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), visuals featuring Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the Indian national flag, and several dialogues.
The CBFC's list of excisions and modifications, now available on its website, details the changes made by the producers before the film was certified. 'Jana Nayagan' is now set for a worldwide release on July 24.
KVN Productions' business head and producer Suprith Mohan confirmed the development to SCREEN, stating, 'We’ll be releasing the movie worldwide on July 24.'
Key Modifications
Among the most notable changes, the board directed the replacement of the dialogue 'Ambedkar sattam' with 'TVK sattam' at one point in the film. Additionally, the usage of 'TVK' in audio and video wherever it appeared was ordered to be removed.
The CBFC also directed the makers to modify all visuals featuring Dr. B. R. Ambedkar on the cover of a book wherever they appeared in the film.
Further, a shot showing the Indian national flag falling to the ground was deleted.
Muted Words and Replaced Visuals
Several words and references were muted, including 'Bhagavatham,' 'Ranganathar,' 'Thevidiya Paiya,' 'Oththa,' the word 'OM' during a scene explaining 'Operation Meluha,' 'India en kalla vizha vaikaren,' and 'Siluvaila.' An entire dialogue beginning with 'Ponnoda…' was also muted.
The CBFC asked the makers to delete and replace visuals depicting a child burning. Another visual showing a District Collector's office badge/cigarette being rolled down disrespectfully was replaced. Additionally, the name 'Sheela Rani' has been replaced wherever it is spoken in the film.
According to the certification details, cumulative deletions amount to 20 seconds, while 10 seconds of footage or dialogue have been replaced. The final certified runtime is 183 minutes and 11 seconds (3 hours, 3 minutes, and 11 seconds).
Legal Battle and Piracy Leak
'Jana Nayagan' was originally scheduled for release on January 9, ahead of Pongal, and was submitted to the CBFC in December 2024. The certification process stalled after the film was referred to the revising committee. KVN Productions moved the Madras High Court, but after a series of legal proceedings, the makers withdrew their writ petition.
In April, an unfinished high-definition version of the film leaked online, spreading rapidly across messaging platforms and torrent sites. The Tamil Nadu Police later arrested several individuals in connection with the leak.
The prolonged certification dispute has been one of the most closely followed in recent Tamil cinema, ending with the CBFC awarding an 'A' certificate.
