Vijay’s much-anticipated Jana Nayagan has hit a roadblock after the Madras High Court stayed the single judge’s order directing the CBFC to grant a U/A certificate, postponing the film’s Pongal release.
Chennai: 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.
In the ongoing Jana Nayagan censor case, Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta is appearing on behalf of the CBFC, while Supreme Court senior advocate and former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi represents KVN Productions. Reports suggest that the film’s release has been suspended indefinitely, and the makers may approach the Supreme Court if the issue remains unresolved.
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Background of the Censor Row
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.
Single Judge Verdict and Immediate Appeal
On January 9, 2026, a single judge of the Madras High Court, Justice P.T. Asha, ruled in favour of the producers, directing the CBFC to issue the U/A certificate immediately, enabling a release during Pongal. The court noted that the complaint lodged after the examining committee’s recommendation appeared to be an afterthought and clarified that the chairperson lacked jurisdiction to reopen certification once the committee had indicated approval.
Immediately after, the CBFC filed a writ appeal before the division bench of Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G. Arul Murugan.
Division Bench Interim Stay
The division bench, after hearing submissions by Additional Solicitor General A.R.L. Sundaresan, granted an interim stay on the single judge’s order. This effectively postponed the film’s release, as the U/A certificate could not be issued until the appeal is resolved. The court has scheduled the next hearing for January 21, 2026, after the Pongal holidays. The bench also questioned the urgency created by the producers, suggesting the attempt to fast-track the release put undue pressure on the judiciary.
Arguments from Producers and CBFC
Producers’ side: Senior counsel Satish Parasaran, assisted by Vijayan Subramanian, argued that the film was submitted for certification on December 18, 2025, but objections from the CBFC chairman were communicated only on January 5, 2026, leaving insufficient time for a Pongal release.
CBFC side: The ASG stated that one member of the examining committee filed a complaint that their objections were ignored. The chairman acted within statutory powers to refer the film to a revising committee, and the court could not direct issuance of a certificate.
Case Timeline – Jana Nayagan Censor Row
- Dec 18, 2025: Jana Nayagan submitted to CBFC for certification
- Jan 5, 2026: CBFC chairman communicates objections, delays certification
- Jan 7, 2026: Madras HC hears producers’ petition regarding delay
- Jan 9, 2026 (AM): Single judge Justice P.T. Asha directs CBFC to issue U/A certificate
- Jan 9, 2026 (Later): CBFC files writ appeal before division bench
- Jan 9, 2026: Division bench grants interim stay on single judge’s order
- Jan 9–21, 2026: Jana Nayagan release postponed, fans rally online
- Jan 21, 2026: Division bench hearing scheduled after Pongal holidays
Impact on Film Release
Due to the interim stay:
- Jana Nayagan’s Pongal release has been postponed indefinitely.
- Fans have expressed disappointment online, rallying under hashtags #WeStandWithTHALAPATHY and #Istandwithvijayanna.
- Other Tamil films, including Parasakthi, are also facing certification delays, highlighting broader concerns about CBFC processes.
What Happens Next
- The division bench hearing on January 21, 2026, will decide the CBFC appeal.
- If the CBFC succeeds, the U/A certificate may be overturned or altered, further delaying the release.
- If the producers succeed, the U/A 16+ certificate will be issued, allowing the film to release shortly after.
- Fans and the Tamil film industry are closely watching, as this verdict could set a precedent for future certification disputes.
The ongoing delay in issuing the certificate for Jana Nayagan has sparked widespread public debate, with many expressing the opinion that the Central government body, the CBFC, is unnecessarily putting pressure on the film due to Vijay’s impending entry into politics.
Fans and industry observers have highlighted that the examining committee had already recommended certification, and the repeated interventions are seen by some as politically motivated. As the case awaits a final verdict on January 21, the controversy has not only postponed the release of Vijay’s farewell film but also ignited discussions about fairness and transparency in the film certification process in India.
Published: 09 Jan 2026, 06:05 pm IST
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