The legal dispute surrounding actor Vijay’s upcoming film “Jana Nayagan” has taken a significant turn after the Madras High Court permitted the film’s producer to withdraw its writ petition against the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The move clears the path for the film to be reviewed by the CBFC’s revising committee, potentially bringing the long-delayed certification process closer to resolution.
High Court Dismisses Petition After Producer’s Decision
Justice P.T. Asha dismissed the writ petition after KVN Productions LLP, the film’s production company, informed the court that it had accepted the CBFC chairman’s decision to refer the film to a nine-member revising committee. The petition had originally sought directions for the CBFC to issue a U/A 16+ certificate within 24 hours.
By allowing the withdrawal, the High Court has removed legal barriers that previously prevented the CBFC from sending the movie for fresh evaluation. The revising committee will now review the film and decide whether it qualifies for a U (Universal), U/A (Parental Guidance), or A (Adults Only) certificate.
Certification Dispute Led to Release Delay
The controversy significantly delayed the release of “Jana Nayagan,” which was initially scheduled to hit theatres on January 9, 2026. The production company had submitted the film for certification under the tatkal process on December 18, 2025, and the CBFC’s examining committee viewed the film the following day.
On December 22, 2025, the examining committee recommended granting the film a U/A 16+ certificate, provided certain cuts and modifications were made. The production team accepted the suggestions, implemented the required edits, and resubmitted the revised version on December 24, 2025.
Complaint Triggered Fresh Review
The certification process took a complicated turn when one member of the examining committee raised concerns with the CBFC chairman. The complaint highlighted the absence of a subject expert on Army-related issues, despite the film containing several references to the armed forces.
Following the complaint, the CBFC chairman paused the certification process on December 29, 2025, and later decided to refer the film to a revising committee for reconsideration. The decision was officially uploaded to the e-cinepramaan portal on January 6, 2026, prompting the production company to approach the High Court.
Legal Battle and Court Proceedings
During earlier hearings, Justice Asha initially directed the CBFC to issue the U/A 16+ certificate. However, the CBFC quickly challenged the decision before a Division Bench of the Madras High Court. The Division Bench granted an interim stay on the single judge’s order, halting the certification.
The matter escalated further when the case reached the Supreme Court, which declined to interfere with the interim stay. Later, on January 27, 2026, the Division Bench set aside the earlier order directing certification and sent the case back to the single judge for reconsideration after allowing the CBFC to submit its counter affidavit.
Producer Chooses to End Litigation
Following the Division Bench’s direction, the production house decided not to continue the legal battle. Instead, it agreed to the CBFC’s proposal to have the film examined by the revising committee. To formalise the decision, the producer submitted a letter to the High Court registry requesting permission to withdraw the petition.
This strategic decision is expected to speed up the certification process while avoiding further legal complications. The revising committee’s evaluation will play a crucial role in determining the final certification category for the film.
What Lies Ahead for ‘Jana Nayagan’
With the legal hurdles now cleared, attention shifts to the revising committee’s review, which will determine the film’s release readiness. The Vijay-starrer has already generated strong anticipation among fans and the Tamil film industry, which has been closely following the controversy and delays.
The outcome of the revising committee’s decision will ultimately decide the film’s certification status and pave the way for its theatrical release. As the process moves forward, the industry and audiences alike are awaiting clarity on when “Jana Nayagan” will finally reach cinema screens.