Chennai: The Madras High Court on Friday, January 9, 2026, temporarily halted an order that would have granted a censor certificate to the much-anticipated film "Jana Nayagan," starring actor-politician Vijay. This decision by a Division Bench came just hours after a single judge had directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to issue the certificate immediately. The stay effectively postpones the film's planned Pongal release.[hollywoodreporterindia+3]
Legal Reversal Halts Film Release
Earlier on Friday, Justice P.T. Asha, a single judge of the Madras High Court, had allowed a petition filed by KVN Productions LLP, the makers of "Jana Nayagan." Her order directed the CBFC to promptly issue a U/A 16+ certificate for the film.However, the CBFC quickly challenged this ruling.An urgent writ appeal was filed before a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G. Arul Murugan.This higher bench granted an interim stay on the single judge's order later the same day.The court has now scheduled the next hearing for January 20 or 21, 2026, making the film's release uncertain.[hollywoodreporterindia+14]
Certification Controversy Unfolds
The dispute began after KVN Productions applied for certification for "Jana Nayagan" on December 18, 2025.The Examining Committee of the CBFC initially recommended a U/A 16+ certificate on December 22, 2025, subject to certain cuts and modifications.The producers stated they complied with all directed changes, and the board verified these modifications by December 29, 2025.Despite this, the certification process stalled, with the producers citing "technical issues" on the CBFC portal regarding audio descriptions.[verdictum+7]
KVN Productions further argued that the CBFC then referred the film to a Revising Committee on January 5, 2026.This referral was reportedly based on an undisclosed complaint.The production house claimed the CBFC chairperson lacked the legal authority to refer the film to a Revising Committee after the Examining Committee had already made a decision.Senior counsel Satish Parasaran, representing the producers, highlighted that approximately ₹500 crore had been invested in the movie's production. He also noted that the planned worldwide release for January 9 was jeopardized by the CBFC's delayed decision.[timesnownews+6]
CBFC's Arguments and Court's Stance[thehindu]
The Central Board of Film Certification, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Additional Solicitor General ARL Sundaresan, presented its case before the Division Bench. They argued that the single judge had not allowed the CBFC adequate time to file a counter-affidavit. The CBFC contended that procedural safeguards under the Cinematograph Act had been bypassed. They also asserted that the chairperson has the power to refer a film to a Revising Committee, particularly when complaints arise.[verdictum+5]
The complaints against "Jana Nayagan" reportedly alleged that the film hurt religious sentiments and depicted the armed forces in an inappropriate manner. The Division Bench, led by Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava, questioned the urgency of the CBFC's appeal and whether the board had been denied a fair opportunity to present its case. However, the bench also noted that the producers had not formally challenged the CBFC chairperson's January 5 order to refer the film to a revising committee. The Chief Justice also expressed that producers should wait for a formal certificate before announcing a release date.[timesofindia+9]
Impact on Release and Future Steps[indianexpress+1]
The interim stay means "Jana Nayagan" missed its intended Pongal release date of January 9, 2026. This marks another setback for the film, widely considered actor Vijay's final cinematic appearance before his full-time entry into politics. Fans who had eagerly purchased tickets for the initial release, including those abroad, are now facing disappointment and seeking refunds.[timesofindia+5]
The legal battle over the film's censor certificate continues. With the next hearing scheduled for late January, the producers, KVN Productions, are reportedly considering approaching the Supreme Court for relief. This ongoing dispute highlights the complexities and potential delays in India's film certification process.[straitstimes+2]
