Jana Nayagan Vs CBFC Row: Massive Setback For Thalapathy Vijay As Madras HC Stays Certification, Release On Hold Till Jan 21

Jana Nayagan Release Update: Fans of Vijay will not witness Thalapathy Pongal this festive season, as the court has adjourned the CBFC certification issue until January 21. The Madras High Court Chief Justice’s Bench heard the writ appeal filed by the CBFC against the single judge’s order favoring Jana Nayagan. During the hearing, the Chief Justice questioned the urgency behind filing the appeal on the same day. In response, the Additional Solicitor General (ASG) outlined the sequence of events - the petition was filed on the 5th, heard on the 6th, and the required letter was submitted on the 7th as directed by the court.The ASG noted that the single judge had ruled the Chairperson’s letter to be without jurisdiction, but argued it was never

challenged in court. He further contended that the CBFC should have been given an opportunity to defend its position by filing a counter-affidavit. The court has temporarily stayed the single judge’s order directing the CBFC to grant a U/A certificate, with the matter posted for further hearing on January 21, after the Pongal holidays.

Jana Nayagan Vs CBFC Controversy Explained

For context, the film ran into certification trouble despite being submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) almost a month ago. While suggested edits and muted dialogues were communicated in December, final clearance never materialized. This prompted the makers to approach the Madras High Court, which initially directed the CBFC to issue a U/A certificate. However, the board challenged the order, extending uncertainty around the film’s release.

The court strongly criticised the handling of the complaint, calling it an 'afterthought' and warning against the growing trend of last-minute objections that delay film releases. Although the film was not sent back to a revising committee, the back-and-forth process stalled its Pongal release plans.The setback has sparked widespread support from the film fraternity. Several industry voices have criticized rigid censorship, arguing that such processes are increasingly incompatible with big-budget productions that complete post-production close to the release date. Directed by H Vinoth, Jana Nayagan marks Vijay's last film before his political innings.