Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has flayed the BJP-led government at the Centre, accusing it of using the CBFC as a political "weapon".

His criticism comes amid the row over actor-politician Vijay's final film 'Jana Nayagan' being referred to the review committee of CBFC, days before its release.

Without directly referring to the film, the CM, in a post on X on Friday, said: "On the lines of #CBI, #ED, #IT, the Censor Board has also become a new weapon of the BJP government. Strong condemnations."

Vijay’s much-anticipated film Jana Nayagan, his final movie before entering politics, was originally scheduled for release on January 9, 2026. The film faced a roadblock when the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) delayed issuing the U/A 16+ certificate, despite the examining committee recommending approval.

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The film, produced by KVN Productions LLP with an investment of around ₹500 crore, was planned for a grand Pongal release across 5,000 theatres worldwide. The CBFC examining committee had recommended a U/A 16+ certificate with minor modifications. However, the CBFC chairman referred the film to a revising committee after one of the five members filed a complaint, claiming their objections were not adequately addressed. The board cited the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, allowing the chairman to seek review if unsatisfied with committee recommendations.