The highly anticipated release of superstar Vijay's final film before his political plunge, Jana Nayagan, has been thrown into uncertainty. The Madras High Court has reserved its order on a petition filed by the film's producers against the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), dealing a significant blow to plans for a January 9 theatrical debut.
Court Battle Over Certification Delay
KVN Productions, the makers of the political action film, moved the Madras High Court on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, challenging the inordinate delay in receiving the necessary censor certificate. The court, after hearing arguments from both sides on Wednesday, adjourned the matter with Justice Asha reserving the final order. The judge remarked that "these kinds of complaints are not healthy," referring to the objections raised against the film's content.
During the proceedings, the CBFC, represented by Additional Solicitor General ARL Sundaresan, informed the court that a fresh committee had been appointed to review the movie. The ASG argued that the board's chairperson holds the authority to order a review even after an initial examination and that the CBFC is legally entitled to take up to 15 days for the process. He revealed that the filmmakers had applied for certification only on December 18.
Contentious Arguments from Both Sides
The legal tussle saw strong arguments from both legal teams. The CBFC's counsel stated that a member of the board itself had raised objections, primarily that the film hurt the sentiments of a minority community. He emphasized that if fundamental issues are identified, a review is necessary and a new committee must be formed within 20 days of such a decision.
Representing Jana Nayagan's team, senior advocate Satish Parasaran countered, pointing out that the committee initially formed did not include a member from the concerned minority community. He urged the court to direct the CBFC to discharge its duty as per the law and expedite the certification.
The court noted that once the chairperson decided on a review, the board should have formally informed the producers to halt any modifications based on earlier instructions. The ASG responded that the regional office had been instructed to put the process on hold.
Release Schedule in Jeopardy
The court's decision to reserve the order has directly impacted the film's elaborate release plans. Reports indicate the order is most likely to be pronounced on the morning of January 9, 2026. This timing critically affects the scheduled First-Day First-Shows (FDFS), which were set to begin as early as 6:00 AM in states like Kerala.
Jana Nayagan, directed by H Vinoth, is one of the most awaited Indian films of the year, carrying immense expectations from both the industry and Vijay's massive fanbase. Marketed as the actor's last cinematic outing before his full-fledged entry into politics, the film's commercial success is crucial for stakeholders. The ongoing legal hurdle has created a cloud of suspense, leaving audiences and theatre owners awaiting the High Court's final word to determine the fate of this major release.
