The release of Thalapathy Vijay's highly anticipated film, Jana Nayagan, remains uncertain due to an ongoing censor certificate dispute. The political action drama, directed by H. Vinoth and produced by KVN Productions, was initially slated for release on January 9, 2026, coinciding with the Pongal festival. This film is particularly significant as it marks Vijay's last cinematic venture before his full-time entry into politics with Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
The trouble began when the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) delayed issuing the censor certificate. The filmmakers submitted Jana Nayagan to the CBFC on December 18, 2025. After the examining committee suggested some revisions, which the makers implemented, the film was resubmitted on December 22. The committee had indicated that a U/A 16+ certificate could be granted after the changes were made. However, the certificate was not issued, and in early January 2026, the CBFC referred the film to a revising committee, reportedly due to an anonymous complaint alleging that the film hurt religious sentiments and portrayed the armed forces negatively.
KVN Productions then approached the Madras High Court, citing unfair delays and potential financial losses exceeding ₹500 crore. On January 9, Justice Asha of the Madras High Court ruled in favor of the filmmakers, directing the CBFC to immediately issue a U/A certificate. The judge dismissed the CBFC's concerns as an "afterthought" and cautioned against a "dangerous trend".
However, this victory was short-lived. Later the same day, the CBFC appealed, and a division bench of the Madras High Court stayed the single judge's order. The court scheduled a further hearing for January 21, after the Pongal holidays.
Adding another layer to the legal battle, the film's producers challenged the High Court's stay order in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court declined to intervene and directed the Madras High Court to resolve the matter on January 20. The Supreme Court also questioned the speed at which the High Court was handling the case.
On January 20, the Madras High Court resumed hearing the case. A division bench, comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan, heard the arguments but reserved its order, leaving fans and the film crew in suspense. As of today, January 20, 2026, Jana Nayagan still awaits a censor certificate, and its release date remains unconfirmed. The next hearing is scheduled for January 21.
