Thalapathy Vijay starrer Jana Nayagan hits legal roadblock as producers move Madras High Court over censor delay

The producers of the much-anticipated Tamil film Jana Nayagan starring actor-turned-politician Thalapathy Vijay, have approached the Madras High Court after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) unexpectedly decided to revisit the film’s certification, just days ahead of its scheduled theatrical release.

Touted as Vijay’s final outing as an actor before fully committing to politics, Jana Nayagan has been in the spotlight ever since its announcement. The film is slated to hit theatres on January 9, but as of now, it is yet to receive its final censor certificate — a development that has prompted the makers to seek judicial intervention.

According to the producers, the CBFC’s Examining Committee had already completed its review process and recommended a ‘UA 16+’ certificate, citing factors such as scenes of violence, fight sequences, gory visuals, and brief references to religious sentiments. The committee had also suggested a set of cuts and modifications, which the filmmakers say were fully carried out.

The application for certification was submitted on December 18, 2025. After a personal hearing, the Examining Committee conveyed its recommendation on December 22, following which the makers resubmitted the revised version of the film on December 24. The changes were verified on December 29, and the producers were informed that Jana Nayagan would be granted the ‘UA 16+’ certificate.

However, the situation took an unexpected turn when the producers received an email on January 5, 2026, stating that the film was being referred to a Revising Committee. The CBFC cited an alleged complaint related to religious sentiments and the portrayal of armed forces as the reason for reopening the process.

The makers have now challenged this move, arguing that once the certification process was completed and all required changes were implemented, it should not be reopened based on an undisclosed complaint. They have also questioned how such a complaint could arise when the film has not been publicly screened and has only been viewed by the production team and statutory authorities.

During the hearing, it was highlighted that Jana Nayagan carries enormous commercial significance. Nearly Rs. 500 crore is reportedly riding on the project, which is set to release across more than 5,000 screens worldwide. The producers also informed the court that the film has already received censor clearance in 24 other countries, adding to their concerns over the delay.

The makers further expressed fears that any postponement could increase the risk of piracy and result in irreparable financial and reputational damage, especially given the scale of the release and the heightened public interest surrounding the fact that is the last film of Thalapathy Vijay before he retires from the industry.

Justice P.T. Asha heard the matter, during which the CBFC sought time to file its response. The court has adjourned the hearing to January 8, as of now.

As fans eagerly await Jana Nayagan, the outcome of this legal tussle will be crucial in determining whether the film can meet its planned release date. For Vijay’s supporters and the trade alike, all eyes are now on the Madras High Court as the countdown to what is being billed as a landmark moment in the star’s career continues.

Also Read: Sivakarthikeyan’s Parasakthi postponed by a day to avoid clash with Vijay’s Jana Nayagan

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