Amidst the ongoing delays and controversy surrounding the release of Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan, actor and filmmaker Silambarasan TR has voiced his support for Vijay. The film, directed by H. Vinoth, has faced significant hurdles with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), causing it to miss its initial release date of January 9, 2026.
Silambarasan TR took to social media to share an encouraging message for Vijay, emphasizing the strong connection between the actor and the film. He stated that setbacks have never stopped Vijay and asserted that the "real festival" will commence when Jana Nayagan finally reaches theaters. Silambarasan highlighted Vijay's extensive contributions to Tamil cinema, noting that this project is widely regarded as his last before he focuses on his political career.
In a recent interview, Silambarasan reiterated his support, stating that Jana Nayagan and Vijay are inseparable. He emphasized the importance of industry support to ensure the film reaches its audience. "He has been in this industry for so many years and has worked in a film for one last time," Silambarasan said, reflecting on why he chose to support Vijay during this challenging period. While admitting he is not well-versed in politics, Silambarasan expressed his sincere wishes for Vijay's success, both with the film's release and his future political endeavors.
The delay in Jana Nayagan's release stems from legal proceedings surrounding its CBFC certification. The Madras High Court had previously overturned a directive that compelled the board to grant a UA certificate and has remanded the matter for further review. The CBFC has also filed a caveat in the Supreme Court to ensure it is heard before any orders are passed regarding the film's release. The film's content, specifically references to the Army and religious sentiments, require further consideration.
The film industry has shown its support for Vijay, with several actors, directors, and political figures criticizing the CBFC's actions and expressing solidarity. Director Pa. Ranjith described the board's actions as "extremely deplorable," suggesting a potential "political vendetta". Director Karthik Subbaraj called for unity within the industry to "save cinema", criticizing the strict timeline rules imposed by the board.
The delay in Jana Nayagan's release is also expected to have significant financial implications. Trade analysts estimate that Tamil Nadu theaters could face losses of approximately ₹100 crore due to the postponement. The film was highly anticipated as a major Pongal release and was expected to bring substantial revenue to theaters after a slow period in November and December 2025. The absence of Jana Nayagan has not only impacted revenue but also disrupted the release schedules of other Tamil films.
Jana Nayagan, directed by H. Vinoth and produced by KVN Productions, is reportedly a remake of the 2023 Telugu film Bhagavanth Kesari. The film stars Vijay, Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, and Mamitha Baiju, along with Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj, Narain, and Priyamani. Anirudh Ravichander composed the music, while Sathyan Sooryan handled the cinematography and Pradeep E. Ragav managed the editing.
As the legal battle continues, the Tamil film industry and fans eagerly await a resolution that will allow Jana Nayagan to finally grace the screens. Silambarasan, meanwhile, is focused on his own projects, including Arasan with Vetrimaaran and an upcoming film with director Ashwath Marimuthu, while standing in solidarity with Vijay.