The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has granted a 15 rating to Jana Nayagan, the highly anticipated final film of actor-turned-politician Vijay.
While the film has secured its UK release, it remains embroiled in a dramatic legal battle in India. The Madras High Court initially ordered the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to grant a U/A certificate, but this was swiftly stayed by a division bench following a late-evening appeal by the board.
The BBFC’s classification highlights strong bloody violence and references to sexual violence, noting scenes involving beheadings, terrorism, and drug trafficking. In India, the £50 million production faced delays after a lone member of the examining committee flagged concerns regarding the portrayal of the armed forces and religious sentiments. Although originally scheduled for a grand Pongal release on January 9, the producers, KVN Productions, were forced to postpone the premiere indefinitely.
The film, directed by H. Vinoth and co-starring Bobby Deol, serves as Vijay's cinematic swansong before he transitions fully into politics with his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. Kerala distributors have since proposed a new release date of January 14, pending the final judicial outcome in Chennai.