Censor certification delays have pushed Vijay’s last film, Jana Nayagan, beyond its planned January 9 release. Recently, Heeramandi fame Jason Shah, who plays a key role in the film, spoke to SCREEN and shared his views on the controversy surrounding Jana Nayagan’s release. He also weighed in on manufactured negative campaigns, which he said have seemingly become the norm in the industry today.
What is the Jana Nayagan controversy?
Jana Nayagan is Vijay Thalapathy’s final film, after which the actor is expected to shift to politics full-time. With excitement running high, fans had been eagerly awaiting its Sankranthi release on January 9. However, the film did not receive clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
Reports suggest that the CBFC had initially recommended a U/A 16+ certificate, asking the makers to trim a few scenes and implement certain changes. Later, however, the board reportedly put the certification on hold, citing concerns that certain scenes could hurt religious sentiments. It also reportedly sought expert intervention for portions depicting armed forces in the film.
After the CBFC backed down from their initial certification, the makers approached the Madras Court which ordered CBFC to clear the film with a U/A 16+ certification. However, the division bench, comprising Chief Justice M M Shrivastava and G Arul Murugan, on an appeal filed by the CBFC, granted an interim stay against the single judge’s verdict, thereby stalling the film’s release.
Jason Shah reacts to the Jana Nayagan controversy
Jason Shah, who also plays an important role in Jana Nayagan, exclusively spoke to SCREEN about the censor board row and said, “I was really excited that the film was releasing on the 9th. I am not 100 percent sure about the certification as to what goes on. I have never actually fully understood the process; it’s not my department. But religion and politics always have something to do with movies. Whoever is voted in as the ruling party they have been given the country in their hands to decide what happens. Your voting causes these kinds of decisions, so if you have done that, then also sit back and be happy.”
Jason further spoke about films and actors facing manufactured smear campaigns within the industry. He shared, “Freedom of speech with technology is the deadliest combination of them all. As an actor, you also put yourself in the line of fire and accept that you are a public figure and up for public scrutiny. If you don’t like it, don’t be an actor. A lot of actors look at the money, fame, and all the nice things, but also need to be ready to get scrutinized from head to toe. People will say what they feel about you when they pay for it, so why not?”
The next hearing in the case will take place on January 21 before the Madras High Court. Meanwhile, the makers on Monday also moved the Supreme Court, appealing against the High Court’s order.
Nawaz Javed Kochra is a seasoned entertainment journalist at The Indian Express Online, bringing nearly a decade of expertise to the forefront of cultural reporting. With a focus on the television and Over-The-Top (OTT) landscapes, he has established himself as a prominent voice in the industry, known for his high-profile celebrity interviews and insightful coverage of the Indian entertainment sector.
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Nawaz holds a Master of Arts in Communication and Journalism from Mumbai University, providing him with a rigorous academic and ethical foundation. In his 11-year career, he has navigated through several of India's leading media houses, building a portfolio that spans digital, print, and broadcast media:
The Indian Express: Currently leads coverage of TV and OTT content, producing both written analysis and popular video interview segments.
Former Roles: He began his career at the iconic Stardust Magazine and later held key positions at Zoom TV, Zee Multimedia, MissMalini, Bollywood Bubble, and Raindrop Media.
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Nawaz’s beat is characterized by a blend of exclusive access and trend analysis. His core areas of expertise include:
Reality Television: Specialized coverage of major franchises like Bigg Boss, providing behind-the-scenes insights and winner profiles.
OTT Ecosystem: Tracking the shift from traditional cable to digital streaming platforms, with a focus on web series and digital premieres.
Celebrity Profiles & Interviews: Nawaz is celebrated for his ability to foster candid conversations with industry stalwarts, from music composers like Amaal Mallik to other TV legends.
Investigative Entertainment News: Reporting on sensitive industry developments, including legal disputes and personal stories of resilience within the acting community.
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With a reputation built on years of networking and credible reporting, Nawaz Kochra is a "known face" in the Mumbai media circuit. His work at The Indian Express adheres to the publication's "Journalism of Courage" standard, ensuring that even entertainment reporting is approached with accuracy, sensitivity, and transparency. His educational background and extensive tenure across diverse media platforms provide him with the authoritative perspective required to analyze the rapid evolution of Indian show business. ... Read More
Jason Shah reacts on Jana Nayagan controversy. (Photos: Jason Shah, KVN Productions/ Instagram)