"TN CM has no moral responsibility": BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan on 'Jana Nayagan' censor certification

Speaking to ANI during Pongal celebrations, she asserted that the Congress and DMK have no moral authority to criticise the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), citing the Congress's history of "stifling freedom of expression" during the Emergency and their past record of banning films.

"... Tamil Nadu CM has no moral responsibility to talk about incidents like the central sensor board because it is an independent body...," she stated.

The leader further raised concerns about the arrests of YouTubers who spoke against the CM.

"Even if someone posts something against him on YouTube, he/she is being arrested. An elderly woman was criticising the CM's poster. They are looking to arrest her. It is suppression of freedom of speech," she said.

She further levelled allegations against the Chief Minister for questioning every matter, relevant or not.

"The CM has become very jittery. For everything, they blame the Central government, whether it's raining or there's a drought. People won't believe them like this," she accused.

The row began when Chief Minister MK Stalin condemned the CBFC, labelling it a "new weapon" of the BJP government, similar to the CBI or ED, used to target creative works.

Her remarks come in the wake of Thalapathy Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' row. On Friday, the Madras High Court directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to issue a U/A 16+ certification for the film, days after the makers postponed its theatrical release."

"The matter was postponed, and today the order was pronounced. The writ petition has been allowed by the MHC. If the movie is not screened on time, it will be a significant loss for attendees, so reimbursement is being offered. The lawyers informed that 27 scenes have been cut. If CBFC goes for an appeal, we will face them in court," Indra Dhanraj, joint coordinator for the state legal wing, TVK, told the media.

'Jana Nayagan' producer Venkat Narayana, in a video message, stated that the matter remains "subjudiced." He revealed that the film was initially cleared after the makers incorporated a few cuts as suggested by the board.

"Just a few days before our planned release, we were informed that the film had been referred to the revising committee based on a complaint. With the time running out and without knowing the complainant, we approached the High Court. After hearing the matter, the court directed that the certificate be issued, but the CBFC immediately challenged the decision. The order to issue the certification has been stayed," the producer said.

Directed by H Vinoth and produced by Venkat K Narayana under KVN Productions, 'Jana Nayagan' is dubbed as Thalapathy Vijay's last film. (ANI)