The highly anticipated Tamil film ‘Jana Nayagan,’ starring Vijay, faces an uncertain theatrical release as a significant censor certificate dispute continues in the Madras High Court. Despite an initial directive from a single-judge bench ordering the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to issue a U/A 16+ certificate, the CBFC has successfully appealed this decision, resulting in a stay on the order and further delaying the film's release.
Madras High Court's Initial Directive for UA Certification KVN Productions LLP, the film's producers, sought intervention from the High Court after the CBFC failed to grant certification in time for the film’s planned January 9 theatrical release. Justice P. T. Asha intervened, setting aside a previous directive and ordering the CBFC to issue the U/A certificate immediately. The judge observed that: * Once the Examining Committee recommended a U/A certification subject to excisions, and those cuts were carried out, the certificate should follow automatically. * Objections raised afterward by a single member were effectively an “afterthought.” * The CBFC Chairperson acted “without jurisdiction” in reopening certification after the Examining Committee had cleared the film, a view grounded in the Cinematograph Certification Rules.
CBFC Appeals the Decision The CBFC has appealed Justice Asha’s order to the Chief Justice, arguing that the single judge did not provide an opportunity for the board to file a counter-affidavit and that the judge exceeded the scope of relief requested. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta contended that a single judge cannot reshuffle the certification process and that the Chairman retains the right to refer a film to the Revising Committee under existing rules. This appeal has stayed the enforcement of the single judge’s order.
Procedural Concerns Highlighted During Hearings During the various hearings, several procedural aspects came to light: * Counsel for the producers reiterated that the regional CBFC office had informed them on December 22, 2025, that the film would receive a U/A certificate after stipulated cuts were made – which the makers complied with – and that only formal issuance was pending. * The High Court questioned why the release date was fixed before the certificate was in hand. * The court also reflected on broader procedural safeguards, urging that adequate opportunities to reply should be afforded to statutory bodies, just as to individual litigants.
Impact on 'Jana Nayagan's' Release The ongoing legal battle means that 'Jana Nayagan,' directed by H. Vinoth and starring Vijay alongside Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, and Mamitha Baiju, remains without a confirmed release date. This uncertainty has significant commercial implications, especially considering the financial stakes and timing around the crucial Pongal 2026 release window and the earlier advance bookings.
The matter has been adjourned for further hearing on January 21, keeping the film's release status uncertain despite earlier anticipation and fan interest.
