The release of Thalapathy Vijay's highly anticipated film, "Jana Nayagan," is facing significant hurdles as a censor row with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) continues. The film, which was originally slated for a Pongal release on January 9, 2026, has been caught in a legal battle, leading to substantial delays and financial losses.
The crux of the issue lies in the CBFC's delay in issuing a certification for "Jana Nayagan". KVN Productions, the film's production house, approached the Madras High Court, stating that the CBFC had initially indicated the film would receive a U/A certificate, provided certain modifications were made. The production house complied with these recommendations and resubmitted the edited movie on December 24, 2025.
However, the certificate was not issued promptly, and the film was referred to the revising committee. Adding to the complications, a member of the monitoring committee lodged a complaint with the CBFC Chairman in Mumbai. This complaint reportedly raised concerns about alleged military references and the potential for communal disharmony within the film.
As the legal standoff continues, the CBFC has declined to disclose any information regarding the certification process. D. Balamurali, CBFC Chennai Regional Officer, stated that the law prohibits sharing any details until a certificate is issued. He emphasized that the examination process is confidential and that the public will be informed through the official portal once the film is certified.
The Madras High Court has also played a role in the ongoing saga. Initially, a single judge ordered immediate certification of the film. However, this order was set aside by the High Court, which has allowed the CBFC more time to respond and ordered a fresh hearing. The production house even approached the Supreme Court, but their request for intervention was denied, and they were directed back to the Madras High Court.
The delay in "Jana Nayagan's" release is reportedly causing significant financial strain, with estimated losses for theatre owners in Tamil Nadu exceeding Rs 100 crore. The film was expected to be Vijay's last before he enters politics full-time, adding to the anticipation and pressure surrounding its release. The uncertainty surrounding the film's certification and release date continues to fuel speculation and concern among fans and industry stakeholders alike. The legal battle and the CBFC's silence only add to the complex situation, leaving the fate of "Jana Nayagan" hanging in the balance.