In a dramatic turn for Tamil cinema, the Madras High Court has overturned a single judge’s directive that mandated the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to immediately grant a censor certificate to actor Vijay’s highly anticipated film ‘Leo’. This ruling, delivered on Tuesday, comes in response to a petition filed by the CBFC, potentially delaying the film’s theatrical release and sending shockwaves through the industry.
The controversy began when the production house, KVN Productions, approached the court after the CBFC flagged the film for review by a special committee just days before its planned Pongal festival release on January 9. The single judge had sided with the makers, ordering the CBFC to issue a UA certificate post-minor modifications and dismissing the need for further review.
However, the CBFC appealed, arguing that the single judge overstepped by not allowing them adequate time to respond. The division bench agreed, quashing the order and emphasizing procedural fairness. ‘The single judge ought to have given the Board an opportunity to file a counter,’ the court observed.
‘Leo’, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, stars Vijay in a high-octane action thriller role alongside Sanjay Dutt, Trisha, and Priya Anand. The film’s music by Anirudh Ravichander had already built massive hype, with Pongal being a prime slot for Tamil blockbusters.
Prior to this, the makers had even approached the Supreme Court after an interim stay, but the apex court dismissed their plea on January 15, directing them back to the Madras High Court. Without the CBFC’s nod, ‘Leo’ remains locked out of theaters, leaving fans in limbo.
This development underscores ongoing tensions between filmmakers and the censor board over certification timelines, especially for big-ticket releases. Industry watchers predict negotiations or further legal battles ahead, as Pongal glory slips further away. The CBFC must now proceed with its review process, but no fresh timeline has been set.