Overview
- The court directed the CBFC to issue a U/A (16+) certificate after required modifications and criticized the late objection as an afterthought that should not be entertained.
- Producers had complied with roughly 27 cuts recommended by the examining committee before a member’s internal complaint prompted further review over issues including defence emblems and potential religious sensitivities.
- The January 9 release was postponed, with theatres canceling shows and processing refunds as overseas distributors also paused plans pending certification.
- Britain’s BBFC cleared the film with a ‘15’ rating on January 6, highlighting differing regulatory judgments across markets.
- Industry stakes are high, with reports of a ₹500 crore budget and global pre-sales exceeding ₹50 crore for a film billed as Vijay’s final screen role before full-time politics.