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Chennai: The Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) decision to appeal the Madras High Court order granting a U/A certificate to Vijay’s Jana Nayagan rests primarily on two sensitive grounds: the alleged misuse of a Hindu religious motif and the unauthorized depiction of armed forces symbols. Here’s a breakdown of the key reasons behind the CBFC’s swift legal challenge.
Religious Sentiment: “o – m” vs “OM”The CBFC’s objection centers on the film’s portrayal of the villain’s evil plan, which is reportedly named “o – m.” The board has taken the view that this closely resembles the sacred Hindu mantra “OM,” and its use in a negative context could hurt religious sentiments. This element, visible even in the film’s trailer, has been a major point of contention during the certification process.
Jana Nayagan News: Military Symbols Without Clearance
A second significant objection involves the film’s use of Indian Armed Forces symbols or insignia without prior consultation or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Defence. The CBFC argued that as per established guidelines, films depicting military imagery require expert review from the concerned department. The board cited the example of the recent film Amaran, whose producers proactively obtained an NOC and even held special screenings for army personnel before release—a protocol the Jananaayagan team allegedly did not follow.
Procedural Delays and Complaints
The film was submitted to the CBFC on December 18, 2025. While the producers agreed to certain minor edits, the certificate was withheld after a formal complaint was received regarding these two issues. The CBFC subsequently referred the film to a review committee, leading to the current legal deadlock.
Legal Standoff
Earlier today, Justice P.T. Asha ordered the CBFC to issue the U/A certificate, noting that the filmmakers had complied with the initial editing suggestions. However, the CBFC has now appealed before the Chief Justice’s bench, seeking a hearing on Monday, January 12. The board maintains that the issues are not merely procedural but involve substantive concerns about religious representation and national insignia.
What’s Next?
The appeal ensures that Jana Nayagan’s release—already postponed from its slated date of January 9—remains uncertain. The Chief Justice’s bench will now decide whether to uphold the single judge’s order or mandate further scrutiny, setting a potential precedent for how films handling religious and military themes are certified in the future.
