The Supreme Court is set to hear the plea of KVN Productions, the producer of the Tamil film "Jana Nayagan" starring Vijay, on January 19, 2026. This legal challenge contests an interim order by the Madras High Court that stayed a previous single-judge direction to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to grant the film its certification.

The film's journey through the certification process has been fraught with complications. After initially submitting the film for certification in December 2025, the CBFC suggested some changes, which the producer implemented, submitting a revised version on December 24, 2025. On December 29, the CBFC's regional office in Chennai indicated that the revised version would be certified. However, the producers faced technical issues in uploading the final version and informed the CBFC.

On January 5, 2026, the producers were informed that the CBFC Chairperson had decided to refer the film to a Revising Committee due to a complaint regarding its content, specifically related to religious sensitivities and the portrayal of armed forces.

KVN Productions then approached the Madras High Court. On January 9, a single-judge bench directed the CBFC to issue the certificate immediately. However, the CBFC immediately appealed, and a division bench of the High Court stayed the single judge's order on the same day, adjourning the matter to January 20 for further hearing. The division bench noted that the single judge had not given the CBFC sufficient opportunity to respond.

The producers, concerned about further delays, have now taken the matter to the Supreme Court. They are seeking an urgent hearing to overturn the Madras High Court's stay and expedite the film's certification.

This case has garnered significant attention because "Jana Nayagan" is widely expected to be Vijay's last film before he transitions into a full-time political career. Vijay recently launched his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), and intends to contest in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Adding to the complexity, Venkat K Narayana, the film's producer, addressed fans, distributors, and exhibitors, apologizing for the delay and emphasizing that it was beyond their control. He reiterated that Vijay deserves a fitting farewell after his long-standing contributions to Tamil cinema.

The Madras High Court division bench had also questioned the filmmakers for announcing the release date before obtaining a censor certificate, which they said created a "false sense of urgency" in court.

The Supreme Court's decision on January 19 will be crucial in determining the fate of "Jana Nayagan"'s release and whether it can proceed before the next hearing scheduled in the Madras High Court on January 20 or 21.