Vijay’s Jana Nayagan To Get UA Certificate After Madras HC Sets Aside CBFC Chairperson’s Review Order

The Madras High Court today directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to issue a UA certificate to Jana Nayagan, the eagerly awaited Tamil political action drama starring Vijay.

The bench of Justice P.T. Asha set aside the CBFC chairperson’s letter referring JanaNayagan to a review committee.

The film was scheduled to be released today, but the producers postponed it, citing “unavoidable circumstances beyond control.” The film is poised to be Vijay’s final film before fully entering politics.

Producers of the film, KVN Productions, moved the Madras High Court on January 6 against the non-issuance of a certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). They sought directions to the CBFC to grant the mandatory certificate for theatrical release. Despite earlier indications that the film would secure a U/A 16+ certificate, the board’s decision to send the film for further review triggered the legal battle.

The makers had applied for the film’s certification on December 18. However, on January 5, the CBFC informed them that the film would be placed before another committee for further examination, following which the producer approached the court alleging that the certification process was being intentionally stalled.

During hearings on January 7 before the bench of Justice Asha, court raised questions over the CBFC’s handling of the certification process, particularly why the producers were not informed when the board decided to re-examine the film after initial edits. Court also sought the board’s explanation and directed it to submit the complaint against the film on record as part of the dispute.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the high court reserved its order, leaving the film’s scheduled January 9 release in limbo. With no censor certificate issued, the producers said they had no choice but to postpone the release.

Jana Nayagan, directed by H Vinoth, had generated substantial anticipation, with advance ticket sales and international clearances fuelling expectations of a major box-office opening. However, the ongoing certification dispute and pending high court verdict have thwarted plans to release the film during the Pongal festival season.

The producers have not announced a revised release date.

Case Title: M/s. KVN Productions LLP vs. Central Board of Film Certification and Another

Order Date: January 9, 2026

Bench: Justice P T Asha