‘Jana Nayagan’ release pushed back again as certification dispute continues

The big-budget project, produced by KVN Productions, was initially slated for a nationwide theatrical release on January 9 to coincide with the Pongal festival. However, the plan was derailed after the CBFC raised objections during the certification process, triggering a legal battle that has now stretched for over a month.

The issue came up before a division bench of the Madras High Court on January 20, headed by Chief Justice M.M. Shrivastava and Justice G. Arul Murugan. After hearing arguments from both the producers and the CBFC, the bench reserved its order, indicating that a decision would be delivered on January 27. Instead, the matter has now been remitted to a single judge, further delaying any resolution.

The dispute centres on the nature and extent of cuts suggested by the CBFC. According to court records, the examining committee had initially recommended 14 cuts for granting a UA 16+ certificate. The makers implemented the changes and resubmitted the revised version in December. However, the process stalled after a complaint was received, prompting the CBFC to withhold certification.

In early January, the producers approached the Madras High Court, where a single judge directed the CBFC to issue a U/A certificate. That order was immediately stayed by a division bench on the same day, reopening the case and pushing the release beyond its festive window. An attempt by the makers to seek urgent relief from the Supreme Court also failed, with the apex court declining to intervene and asking them to pursue the matter before the High Court.

The prolonged delay has raised concerns within the industry, particularly given the film’s reported budget of nearly ₹500 crore. Marketed as one of the most ambitious Indian films of 2026, Jana Nayagan carries significant commercial stakes for distributors and exhibitors, many of whom had banked on a Pongal release.

For Vijay’s fan base, the uncertainty has added an emotional dimension to the delay. The film is widely expected to be the actor’s last before he steps away from cinema, heightening anticipation and scrutiny around its release.

Until the certification issue is resolved and a certificate is issued, the producers are unable to announce a revised release date. With the legal process still unfolding, the fate of Jana Nayagan remains uncertain, overshadowing what was intended to be a landmark moment in Tamil cinema.