Jana Nayagan Release Delayed as Censor Row Persists
Jana Nayagan Release Delayed as Censor Row Persists
Vijay's Jana Nayagan stalls again as the CBFC Revising Committee re-examines, delaying a Pongal release amid a Madras High Court hearing.
Jana Nayagan, starring Vijay and directed by H. Vinoth, is in limbo as the film's censor certificate remains unresolved. The Madras High Court reserved its order on an appeal by the CBFC challenging a previous directive that the film be granted a UA certificate.
The certification journey began in December 2025. After screening, the CBFC examining committee approved a U/A certificate on 22 December, pending certain cuts. By 29 December, the regional office in Chennai confirmed the changes and signaled clearance for release. The makers, believing the path was clear, expected a Pongal release on 9 January 2026.
But on 5 January, the CBFC chairman referred Jana Nayagan back to the Revising Committee, reportedly triggered by complaints about religious sentiments and the portrayal of the armed forces. Industry insiders say the move came after the initial recommendation had already been made.
In parallel, the filmmakers approached the Madras High Court, challenging the CBFC's move and seeking to secure the UA certificate. The court reserved its order on the CBFC's challenge to a single-judge directive that had directed the release clearance, keeping the release plan in limbo. The producers have also escalated the matter to the Supreme Court.
With no formal release date in sight, producers and fans wait to see whether the censor wrangle will wrap up in time for Pongal or push the film into later months. The delay underscores the ongoing churn in Tamil cinema as big projects navigate evolving certification norms.
