10 February 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : The Madras High Court on Monday permitted the producer of the Tamil film Jana Nayagan to withdraw a petition filed against the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), marking a significant shift in the legal battle surrounding the certification of the film.
The plea had been moved by the producer challenging certain objections and certification-related issues raised by the CBFC. During the hearing, counsel appearing for the producer informed the court that the petitioner no longer wished to pursue the matter and sought permission to withdraw the case. Accepting the request, the High Court allowed the withdrawal and closed the proceedings.
The case had drawn attention due to the film’s political undertones and the involvement of leading Tamil actor and politician Thalapathy Vijay, for whom Jana Nayagan is being projected as a significant project. The dispute with the CBFC had sparked debate in film and political circles, with discussions around creative freedom, censorship, and the role of certification authorities.
Sources indicated that the decision to withdraw the plea may pave the way for fresh discussions between the filmmakers and the CBFC to resolve outstanding issues amicably. Legal experts note that withdrawal of the petition does not prevent the producer from approaching the authorities again if new concerns arise, but it signals a willingness to seek resolution outside prolonged litigation.
The CBFC, tasked with certifying films for public exhibition, has often faced criticism from filmmakers over alleged overreach. At the same time, the board maintains that its role is to ensure films adhere to legal and societal guidelines. In recent years, courts have repeatedly emphasised the need to balance creative expression with reasonable restrictions under the law.
With the plea withdrawn, the focus is now expected to shift back to the certification process and the film’s release plans. Industry observers believe the move could help avoid further delays and keep the project on track, especially given the high expectations surrounding the film.
The Madras High Court’s order brings temporary closure to the controversy, though the broader debate on censorship and creative freedom in Indian cinema continues.
Summary
The Madras High Court allowed the producer of Jana Nayagan to withdraw a plea against the CBFC, closing the case and signalling a possible out-of-court resolution on film certification issues.