The Madras High Court Chief Justice's decision to stay the stinging order of a single judge of the court to the CBFC to grant certification for Jana Nayagan until January 21 may appear, on the surface, to be a procedural pause. Politically, however, the delay is already crystallising a strong sentiment in the State. In Tamil Nadu's charged political climate, perception often travels faster than fact - and this episode is fast hardening a narrative that actor-politician Vijay is being selectively targeted by the BJP, which is seen as having a strong influence over the CBFC. He was targeted by the DMK and the state government in the Karur stampede case, and now he is the one targeted by the Centre as well and stopped from even releasing his last film.

At the heart of the issue is the CBFC certification delay for Jana Nayagan. For Vijay's supporters and a growing section of the politically attentive public, this is no longer just about a film release. It is being read as pressure to coerce Vijay to warm up to the BJP and perhaps entertain an alliance, if not an understanding with the NDA. The optics feed directly into a familiar opposition charge: that the BJP-led Centre uses institutions to keep potential rivals in check. Whether or not this is the intent, the impact is undeniable. The delay strengthens the sentiment that Vijay is being put through a test that others are spared.

Among fans, the sense of anticipation had been intense. Jana Nayagan was widely........

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