Thalapathy Vijay's much-awaited political action thriller, Jana Nayagan, has been at the center of a heated certification controversy. Directed by H. Vinoth and produced by KVN Productions, the movie was billed as Vijay's final big-screen appearance before his full-time plunge into politics. However, delays from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) threw its planned release into chaos, leaving fans anxious and the industry watching closely.

The Certification Delay and Pongal Release Postponement

The trouble began when the film, submitted to the CBFC in mid-December 2025, faced unexpected hurdles. After an initial screening, the examining committee suggested certain cuts and modifications, which the makers promptly implemented. Despite this compliance, the board referred the movie to a revising committee following an internal complaint, allegedly over concerns about content potentially hurting sentiments and other issues.

With the worldwide premiere scheduled for January 9, 2026—just ahead of the Pongal festival—the delay proved catastrophic. Advance bookings had surged, but without a censor certificate, theaters couldn't proceed. On January 7, the producers announced the indefinite postponement of the release, citing "unavoidable circumstances." This meant missing the lucrative Pongal window, a major blow for a high-budget project reportedly costing around ₹500 crore and planned for over 5,000 screens globally.

Madras High Court's Intervention and Key Order Details

Frustrated by the stalled process, KVN Productions approached the Madras High Court with an urgent petition. They argued that the CBFC's decision to revisit the film after compliance was unfair and caused massive financial and reputational damage.

On January 9, 2026, Justice P.T. Asha delivered a significant verdict. The court directed the CBFC to immediately issue a U/A (16+) certificate, setting aside the chairperson's referral to the revising committee as "without jurisdiction." The judge noted that the complaint seemed like an afterthought and warned against setting a "dangerous precedent" by entertaining such last-minute objections. This ruling provided a clear path forward, emphasizing timely certification for films with fixed release commitments.

Fans' Relief and Celebrations

Vijay's massive fanbase, known for their passionate support, breathed a collective sigh of relief. Social media buzzed with celebrations—sweets were distributed outside the court, and hashtags trending with messages of triumph. For many, the order felt like a victory not just for the film but for creative freedom in cinema. Fans had been vocal about their disappointment over the postponement, but the court's swift intervention restored hope for an imminent release.

CBFC's Push for Urgent Appeal and Lingering Uncertainty

The relief was short-lived in legal terms. Almost immediately after the single-judge order, the CBFC approached the Chief Justice's bench, seeking an urgent hearing for their writ appeal. They argued for a stay or reconsideration, highlighting their statutory powers. As of now, the appeal's outcome remains pending, creating uncertainty around whether the U/A certificate will be implemented without further delays.

This back-and-forth has raised questions about the certification process, especially for high-profile films with political undertones. While distributors hint at a possible Pongal shift (around January 14), no official new date has been confirmed.

In the end, Jana Nayagan symbolizes more than a blockbuster—it's a testament to the challenges stars like Vijay face at career crossroads. Fans remain optimistic, eagerly awaiting the screens to light up with their hero's farewell performance.

Read Also: Sivakarthikeyan's Parasakthi: U/A Certified Period Action Drama Gears Up for Pongal Release on January 10

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