The Madras High Court on Thursday, April 16, granted interim protection in favour of Jana Nayagan, the upcoming film starring actor Vijay, by restraining internet service providers (ISPs) and cable operators from unlawfully streaming or broadcasting the movie online.

Jana Nayagan Leak Row: Madras High Court shields Thalapathy Vijay starrer; blocks illegal streaming before release

Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy passed the interim order in a civil suit filed by the film’s producers, KVN Productions. The production house approached the court after discovering that portions of the film had allegedly surfaced online despite the movie not yet receiving certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

The development comes amid an already complicated legal journey surrounding the film’s certification. Jana Nayagan, widely reported to be Vijay’s final film before his formal political entry, had earlier become the subject of litigation after the CBFC delayed granting certification.

Previously, KVN Productions had moved the High Court challenging the delay. On January 9, a single-judge bench ruled in favour of the producers and directed the CBFC to certify the film immediately. However, that order was stayed later the same day by a division bench.

Subsequently, the division bench set aside the earlier order, observing that the CBFC had not been given sufficient opportunity to present its case. The matter was then remitted back to the single judge for fresh consideration. Although the producers were granted liberty to challenge the CBFC’s decision to refer the film to the revising committee, they later chose to withdraw that petition, which was permitted by the court.

While the certification process remained unresolved, clips from the film were allegedly circulated across online platforms. Authorities registered a complaint in the matter, and six individuals were reportedly arrested in connection with the illegal streaming of the movie.

Following these incidents, KVN Productions once again approached the High Court seeking protection of its copyright and asking for a permanent injunction against ISPs and cable operators. The producers also requested directions to block websites and webpages hosting content related to the unreleased film.

The company submitted before the court that it was shocked to discover the unlawful circulation of the movie while certification was still pending. It argued that, as the producer and copyright holder, any unauthorised dissemination would directly violate its legal rights.

Taking note of these submissions, the court observed that permitting continued illegal streaming would cause serious and irreparable harm to the production house. The judge therefore ordered an interim injunction restraining unauthorised broadcasting of the cinematograph film until further orders.

Notices have now been issued to the respondents, and the matter has been listed for further hearing on June 2.

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