HC Orders U/A for Vijay ‘Jana Nayagan’; CBFC Appeals

New Delhi, january 09, 2026: In a significant legal development for the Tamil film industry, the Madras High Court has directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to immediately issue a U/A certificate to the highly anticipated film, Jana Nayagan.

Starring actor-turned-politician Vijay in what is widely considered his final cinematic outing before a full-time entry into politics, the film has been at the center of a heated censorship battle.

High Court Overrules CBFC Delay

The order, delivered by Justice P.T. Asha on January 9, 2026, comes as a major relief to the producers, KVN Productions. The court sharply criticized the CBFC’s decision to withhold the certificate after the examining committee had already recommended its issuance with specific cuts.

Key Points from the Court Order:

• Invalid Jurisdiction: The court ruled that the CBFC Chairperson’s decision to refer the film to a Revising Committee—following a complaint by a single dissenting member—was “without jurisdiction.”
• Arbitrary Re-examination: Justice Asha noted that once the producers had complied with the modifications suggested by the examining committee, the issuance of the certificate should have been an administrative formality.
• “Afterthought” Grievances: The judge described the complaint against the film (which alleged hurt religious sentiments and issues with the portrayal of armed forces) as an “afterthought.”
• Protection of Artistic Freedom: The court warned that entertaining such last-minute, anonymous complaints could set a “dangerous trend” and open the floodgates for frivolous objections against filmmakers.

CBFC’s Swift Appeal

The victory for the Jana Nayagan team was met with an immediate counter-move by the Censor Board. Minutes after the single-judge bench delivered the verdict, the CBFC, represented by Additional Solicitor General AR.L. Sundaresan, made an urgent mention before a bench led by Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava.

The CBFC has filed a writ appeal against the order, seeking to stay the issuance of the U/A certificate. The Chief Justice has indicated that the court will consider the appeal, though it remains to be seen if a stay will be granted before the film’s revised release date.

Impact on Release and Fans

Originally scheduled for a grand worldwide release on January 9, 2026, the film has been officially postponed due to the certification impasse. The delay has sent ripples through the industry:

1. Financial Stakes: Producers informed the court that nearly ₹500 crore is at stake, with plans to release the film across 5,000 screens.
2. Refunds and Black Markets: While many theaters in Tamil Nadu have begun processing refunds for advance bookings, reports surfaced of “black market” tickets selling for as high as ₹5,000 during the height of the anticipation.
3. Industry Support: Filmmakers like Karthik Subbaraj and Ajay Gnanamuthu have voiced their support for Vijay and the producers, criticizing the “misuse of power” and the pressure the current certification process places on creative freedom.

What’s Next?

While the Madras High Court’s order provides a legal pathway for the film to reach theaters, the outcome of the CBFC’s appeal will be the final deciding factor. Fans of ‘Thalapathy’ Vijay are now looking toward a possible mid-January release, likely coinciding with the Pongal festival season, provided the legal hurdles are cleared.