The theatrical release of actor Vijay’s much-awaited film Jana Nayagan on January 9 is now uncertain after the Madras High Court reserved its orders on a plea related to the film’s censor certification.
On Wednesday (January 7, 2026), Justice P.T. Asha reserved judgment on a writ petition filed by KVN Productions LLP, seeking a direction to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to issue a censor certificate for the film.
During the hearing, the Additional Solicitor General (ASG) informed the court that although a five-member examining committee had recommended a U/A 16+ certificate with certain cuts, one committee member submitted a complaint stating that his objections were not considered. Following this, the CBFC Chairman decided to refer the film to a revising committee, a step permitted under the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, the ASG said.
The ASG further argued that the court could not interfere with the statutory powers of the CBFC and could only ensure that the certification process is completed within legal timelines.
Opposing the stand, senior counsel Mr. Parasaran, appearing for the producers, said that the dissent of a single committee member could not override the majority recommendation. He stated that the production house had complied with all 27 cuts suggested by the examining committee and that further delay was unjustified.
The court is expected to pronounce its order only on January 9, casting serious doubt on the film’s planned release on the same day.
