‘Attack on Tamil culture’: Rahul Gandhi joins controversy over Vijay’s ‘Jana ...
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused the Centre of targeting Tamil culture by allegedly attempting to block actor Vijay’s film Jana Nayagan, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi would never succeed in silencing the people of Tamil Nadu. His remarks came as the controversy around the politically charged film intensified, coinciding with Gandhi’s visit to poll-bound Tamil Nadu.ALSO READArmy chief on the ‘2 turning points’ that led to Pakistan’s surrender during Op Sindoor
In a post on X, the Leader of Opposition linked the delay in the film’s certification to a broader political message. “The I&B Ministry’s attempt to block ‘Jana Nayagan’ is an attack on Tamil culture.” He added, “Mr Modi, you will never succeed in suppressing the voice of the Tamil people.”
Why the film landed in legal trouble
Produced by KVN Productions LLP, Jana Nayagan was slated for a Pongal release on January 9. The Vijay starrer has drawn attention for its political undertones.
The controversy erupted after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) did not issue clearance on time, citing a decision to refer the film to a revising committee.
A single judge of the Madras High Court had directed the CBFC to grant certification, observing that once the board had decided to clear the film, the chairperson could not send it for further review. However, hours later, a division bench stayed its previous order after the CBFC filed an appeal, leaving the film’s release in limbo.
How politics and cinema have collided
The case has taken on political significance as Jana Nayagan is widely seen as Vijay’s final film before his full-time political entry following the launch of his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The producer has now approached the Supreme Court against the interim stay.
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The division bench noted that the CBFC had not been given sufficient opportunity to file its reply and posted the matter for further hearing on January 21. As the legal battle continues, the issue has snowballed into a larger political debate, with the opposition framing it as censorship and an attack on regional identity ahead of crucial state elections.
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