KVN Productions vs CBFC: Madras High Court Allows Withdrawal of Plea Over ‘Jana Nayagan’ Certification
The producers of Vijay-starrer Jana Nayagan withdrew their writ petition challenging the CBFC’s decision to refer the film to a revising committee instead of granting a U/A 16+ certificate, bringing the Madras High Court proceedings to an end
Madras High Court permits withdrawal of Jana Nayagan movie certification legal challenge by producers KVN Productions
The Madras High Court on Tuesday allowed the producers of the much-anticipated Vijay-starrer Tamil film Jana Nayagan to withdraw their writ petition challenging the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) handling of the movie’s certification process. The decision formally ends the legal battle in the high court and shifts the focus back to the statutory censor mechanism.
KVN Productions LLP, which had approached the high court in early January after the CBFC referred the Vijay-starrer to a revising committee instead of granting the U/A 16+ certificate the makers sought, informed the court registry that it no longer wishes to pursue the judicial contest.
At the hearing before Justice P.T. Asha on Tuesday, the bench permitted the withdrawal of the petition, clearing the way for the film to be reconsidered by the board’s revising panel without interference from ongoing litigation.
The producers had initially filed the writ petition citing delays and procedural irregularities in the certification process after submitting the film in December 2025 and agreeing to suggested edits.
Their challenge resulted in a series of judicial interventions.
A single-judge bench initially ordered immediate certification, but that direction was stayed on appeal and later set aside by a division bench, which remanded the matter for fresh consideration and allowed the producers to amend their petition.
Amid expectations that the film’s producer, KVN Productions, may approach the Supreme Court challenging the Madras High Court division bench order, CBFC filed a caveat. However, on January 15, court directed that KVN Productions' plea be heard by a division bench of the High Court.
The Jana Nayagan controversy has already had a significant industry impact. The film, starring actor Vijay and directed by H. Vinoth, was originally earmarked for a January release, but certification issues have prevented its theatrical debut and reportedly caused substantial financial strain on distributors and exhibitors.
Case Title: M/S KVN Productions vs. CBFC and Another
Hearing Data: February 10, 2026
Bench: Justice P.T. Asha