Ahead of its January 9 release, Vijay’s Jana Nayagan faces CBFC delays after a complaint triggered review despite prior UA 16+ clearance. Questioned by Madras HC, makers said postponement risks Rs 500 crore, with the court seeking clarification and setting a follow-up hearing
A still from Jana Nayagan
Before its January 9 release, actor and TVK (Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam) president Vijay's farewell film appears to be overcoming a number of obstacles. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) did not yet certify the H. Vinoth-directed movie on Tuesday. KVN Productions was questioned about the severity of the situation after requesting relief from the Madras High Court. A timeline and an explanation of the CBFC problem.
All about the CBFC row
As the film's release date approaches, the producers of Vijay's Jana Nayagan have filed a plea before the HC asking the CBFC to provide a censor certificate for the film, according to PTI. Judge PT Asha heard the plea and verbally requested that the CBFC provide a copy of the complaint they had received regarding the movie by tomorrow. Additionally, the judge set a follow-up hearing for Wednesday, January 7.
The judge questioned the necessity of releasing the movie on schedule and said, "Why can't the film's release be postponed from the 10th?," according to Cinema Express. "Thai pirandhaal vazhi pirakkum, (With the advent of Thai, a way will emerge)," is a Tamil proverb. But the court ordered that information on the individual who filed the complaint be revealed to the court after the censorship procedure is finished.
Bar and Bench claims that the CBFC's examining committee had previously suggested that Jana Nayagan receive a UA 16+ certification following the manufacturers' compliance with the list of modifications and reductions. However, the movie was sent to the revision committee after someone complained about its purported content.
Makers reveal Rs 500 crores at stake
The makers of the movie are currently contesting this decision in the HC. The producers informed the court that on December 18, 2025, they submitted an application for a censorship certificate for Jana Nayagan. In a letter dated December 22, 2025, the examining committee suggested that the movie receive a UA 16+ certification. The producers cited violent scenes, fight scenes, graphic images, and fleeting allusions to religious beliefs as justifications for the age limitation.
A revised version of the film was resubmitted on December 24, 2025, and it was confirmed on December 29, 2025, following the producers' compliance with the changes. The movie's UA 16+ certification was once more communicated to the creators. However, they were notified via email on January 5, 2026, that the movie was being sent to the revising committee in accordance with Cinematograph (Certification) Rules Rule 24.
Regarding the claimed violation of religious sensibilities and the representation of the military forces, a complaint was submitted to the CBFC. In court, the producers contended that revisiting a completed certification procedure based on concealed documents is not permitted by certification regulations. Given that the movie hasn't been aired or shown to the general public, their plea also questioned the allegation.
The counsel speaking on behalf of the producers further mentioned that the movie, which is scheduled to be released on 5000 screens worldwide, was worth close to Rs 500 crore. According to reports, Jana Nayagan has been granted censorship in 24 additional nations.
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