The highly anticipated Tamil film Jana Nayagan, starring Vijay and widely expected to be Thalapathy's last film before a full-time political career, has hit another legal hurdle that has delayed its release. The dispute centres on the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the film’s certification process, with the Madras High Court playing a key role in the ongoing saga. Check out what is the latest update on the fate of Vijay's 69th film.
What has happened so far
Originally slated for a 9 January 2026 release, Jana Nayagan has been postponed due to a delay in obtaining its censor certificate. The production company, KVN Productions, had applied for certification in December 2025 and complied with modifications suggested by the CBFC’s examining committee.
However, the film was referred to a Revising Committee after a complaint about content that allegedly hurt religious sentiments and portrayed the armed forces in a problematic way, despite the examining committee’s recommendation of a U/A (16+) certificate.
High Court intervention
The matter was taken to the Madras High Court, which initially saw a single-judge bench direct the CBFC to issue the certificate. That order was stayed by a Division Bench, which agreed to hear an appeal filed by the CBFC against the single judge’s direction.
On 27 January 2026, the Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan, set aside the earlier single-judge order and remanded the matter back to the single judge for fresh consideration. The Bench said the single judge had made an error in adjudicating the merits of the complaint.
This means that the film remains uncertified for release for now and that the fate of Jana Nayagan, including any confirmed release date, will depend on the outcome of the renewed certification hearing before the single judge.
Why this matters
Certification by the CBFC is a prerequisite for theatrical release in India. Without it, films cannot legally be screened in theatres. The legal back-and-forth has left Jana Nayagan’s release window unclear, frustrating fans and industry insiders alike.
The High Court’s latest order re-emphasises that the certification body must be afforded due process and time to present its case, rather than having a film rushed to release based on compliance with cuts alone.
What the makers have argued
KVN Productions has maintained that it followed all certification procedures, made required cuts and resubmitted the film before the dispute arose. The producers also highlighted the significant investment and advance booking activity tied to a January release plan. However, the court noted that financial stakes or a release date cannot be used as grounds to compel certification.
What's next
The matter now returns to a single-judge bench of the Madras High Court for reconsideration of the certification issue. Until that hearing concludes and a clear directive is issued on whether the CBFC must grant the U/A certificate, Jana Nayagan’s theatrical release date remains uncertain.
Fans and the industry will be closely watching the renewed hearing, as it will determine not just when the film can release but also whether any further appeals or legal avenues are pursued by either side.
