Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and actor Pawan Kalyan has weighed in on the prolonged censorship controversy surrounding Thalapathy Vijay’s film Jana Nayagan, advising the makers against approaching the courts. In a recent interview with Thanthi TV on March 16, 2026, Kalyan emphasized that film certification issues should be resolved internally and not politicized.
The Ongoing Jana Nayagan Censor Controversy
Jana Nayagan, directed by H. Vinoth and produced by KVN Productions, was originally slated for release on January 9, 2026. The film, marking Vijay’s farewell to acting before focusing fully on politics with TVK, faced delays after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) raised concerns during its December 2025 screening. Issues reportedly included violence levels, potential religious sensitivities, and references to the Indian Army, leading to demands for cuts and an ‘A’ certificate instead of the expected ‘U/A’. The makers approached the Madras High Court, which initially directed the CBFC to issue a ‘U/A’ certificate.
Pawan Kalyan’s Key Statements
Kalyan clarified that certification decisions are independent of government influence, even under the NDA. He cited his own film OG, which received an ‘A’ certificate despite expectations of ‘U/A’ due to its violent content. “A rule is a rule and cannot be tailor-made,” he said, adding that even his political position did not allow flexibility. He criticized the handling: “The Jana Nayagan issue was not handled well at the censor board level. They’re blaming the NDA, and that’s not right.” Kalyan specifically advised against legal action: “The makers of Jana Nayagan should not have approached the court for a solution. How can they blame the NDA government for this issue? If they had not gone to court, it would have been a completely different story. Once it goes to the court, the outcome is in the hands of the legal system.” He noted such issues “happen to everybody” and stressed separating cinema from politics.
Implications for the Film and Industry
Kalyan’s comments come amid heightened scrutiny of CBFC processes and creative freedom. The delay has frustrated fans awaiting Vijay’s final film. His remarks underscore the need for internal resolutions to avoid prolonged legal battles that can impact release timelines. As the controversy continues, Pawan Kalyan’s intervention highlights the delicate balance between regulation, politics, and filmmaking in South Indian cinema.
-By Manoj H