05 June,2026 05:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Vijay in Jana Nayagan. Pic via X
Vijay's alleged final film, Jana Nayagan, continues to face uncertainty over its release, months after its planned release date. The film, which was expected to hit the screens in January for Pongal, continues to be stuck with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), awaiting clearance even six months later. As per a latest development in the row, Vijay has reportedly asked the production house, KVN Productions, to refund the distributors who have now been waiting for months.
Mohan Suprith, business head of KVN Productions, recently confirmed to SCREEN that the reports about the refund were indeed true, saying, "While we are still in talks, we have decided to refund the money to the film distributors. We felt it was unfair to keep them in the loop while we are still waiting for a possible release date."
According to earlier reports, the decision came from Vijay himself, since the film has been stuck in limbo for months. Additionally, there is no clarity on the film's release from either the CBFC or the makers so far.
Jana Nayagan's last-minute release delay led to the distributors being forced to refund crores in advance booking amounts. Trade analyst Ramesh Bala had told India Today that Jana Nayagan could possibly make Rs 150-200 crore easily in Tamil Nadu alone had it been released on time. He also forecasted that the box office could have lost almost Rs 100 crore because of the film.
Jana Nayagan was originally planned to hit theatres on January 9; however, it failed to make its release date due to an ongoing dispute related to its certification. The film initially got a recommendation for a UA 16+ certificate from the regional panel of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). However, the final certification process was stuck in legal proceedings, preventing the film from reaching cinemas.
Meanwhile, KVN Productions approached the Madras High Court seeking faster clearance ahead of the planned release. However, on the day of its release, the CBFC challenged a single judge's ruling before a division bench of the court. The order was subsequently stayed by the Madras High Court, forcing the certification process to restart.
However, in February 2026, the producers withdrew their petition and resubmitted the film through the CBFC's regular review procedure. Despite the Revising Committee later screening the film, the certification has still not been issued. Amid the delay, the film was also leaked in HD online. The film's release timeline continues to be uncertain.
