The release of actor Vijay's highly anticipated film, "Jana Nayagan," faces further uncertainty after the Madras High Court set aside a previous order that directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to grant the film a 'UA' certificate. The decision, delivered on January 27, 2026, by Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan, effectively remands the case back to a single judge for a fresh hearing.

This legal development is a significant setback for KVN Productions, the film's producer, and throws the film's release date into doubt. "Jana Nayagan" was initially slated for a worldwide theatrical release on January 9, coinciding with the Pongal festivities, but was postponed due to the ongoing legal challenges.

The CBFC had initially refused to grant a 'UA' certification to "Jana Nayagan," leading the producers to appeal to the Madras High Court. A single judge had then directed the CBFC to issue the certificate, a decision that the CBFC subsequently challenged. The recent High Court ruling allows the appeal moved by the CBFC, thereby overturning the single judge's order.

The division bench cited serious concerns regarding the film's content, including scenes allegedly depicting foreign powers creating disturbances within the country and portraying the armed forces in a negative light. The court has directed the single judge to allow the CBFC to file its response and to hear the case afresh.

The Assistant Solicitor General (ASG) noted that the revising committee of the CBFC is obligated to make a decision on the matter within 20 days, suggesting that a decision could have been reached by January 26, had there been no impediments.

Following the initial delay, the producers approached the Supreme Court, seeking to challenge the Madras High Court order that had stalled the certification and release. However, the Supreme Court directed them to return to the Madras High Court for resolution.

The Madras High Court's decision has left Vijay's fans disappointed and has injected further uncertainty into the release plans for what is speculated to be his final film before he transitions fully into politics. The film now faces further delays as it awaits fresh hearings and a final decision on its certification.