Pawan Kalyan Addresses CBFC Controversy Surrounding Jana Nayagan
Pawan Kalyan's Response to Jana Nayagan's CBFC Delays
Pawan Kalyan has spoken out regarding the ongoing controversy with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) related to Vijay's Jana Nayagan. The film has been awaiting its censor certificate for several months, with the filmmakers attributing the delays to the current government. However, Kalyan dismissed these claims during a recent television interview, asserting that linking the delay to political factors is unjust. He emphasized that the certification process operates independently of governmental influence, citing his own film, OG, as an example to support his viewpoint.
Pawan Kalyan Discusses Jana Nayagan and CBFC Issues
In an interview with Thanthi TV, Kalyan expressed that the handling of Jana Nayagan's situation at the censor board was inadequate. He firmly disagreed with the notion that the NDA government was responsible for the delays. Kalyan explained that the certification process adheres to established rules that apply uniformly. He mentioned that the producers of his upcoming film OG had suggested that his political affiliation might lead to a more lenient certification, but he rejected this notion, stating that the film's violent content warranted an 'A' rating.
Kalyan further noted that even if there were attempts to sway the board, the CBFC maintains a clear distinction between film censorship and political influence. He recounted an instance from his career where the censor board requested changes to a song's lyrics, which the filmmakers complied with, indicating that such requests are commonplace in the certification process. He also expressed skepticism regarding the Jana Nayagan team's decision to escalate the matter to the courts, stating that once legal proceedings commence, the filmmakers and the board lose control over the outcome.
Current Status of Jana Nayagan
Initially set for a theatrical release on January 9, Jana Nayagan has faced indefinite postponement due to the lack of a censor certificate. Reports indicate that the film was first reviewed by the examining committee in December 2025, which recommended several cuts for a potential U/A certificate. The producers accepted these cuts and resubmitted the film. However, complications arose when the film was sent to a revising committee following complaints about specific scenes. These ongoing delays have disrupted the film's release strategy and affected distribution agreements, including international schedules. The cast of Jana Nayagan includes notable actors such as Mamitha Baiju, Bobby Deol, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj, Priyamani, and Pooja Hegde, with music composed by Anirudh Ravichander.