Actor Vijay’s upcoming film Jana Nayagan has encountered yet another hurdle, with its theatrical release being pushed back following fresh legal developments around its censor certification.
The delay comes after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) moved the Madras High Court challenging an earlier order that had directed the board to issue a U/A 16+ certificate to the film. Seeking urgent intervention, the CBFC requested that the matter be reconsidered by a revising committee.
After hearing the appeal, the Madras High Court ordered that Jana Nayagan should not be released until January 21, effectively putting a temporary hold on the film’s certification. As a result, the film’s release plans have been stalled, leaving fans awaiting further updates.
What the Madras High Court said
Earlier on Friday, a single judge of the Madras High Court had instructed the CBFC to grant Jana Nayagan a U/A 16+ certificate. However, the CBFC promptly filed an appeal against this order, arguing that it had not been given adequate time to present its case.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan took up the appeal and stayed the single judge’s order later the same day. In its observations, the Bench noted that the Union of India had raised concerns over the lack of sufficient opportunity to respond and pointed out that a communication dated January 6 had been set aside despite not being specifically challenged. The court also highlighted that, at the time, no certificate had been issued to the filmmakers.
As reported by Live Law, during the hearing, the Additional Solicitor General (ASG) representing the CBFC submitted that the proceedings before the single judge were conducted in haste, denying the board a fair chance to defend its position. The ASG further informed the court that the producers had applied for certification only on December 18 and that the film had subsequently been referred to a revising committee.
When senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the producers, stated that the film was scheduled for a January 9 release, the court remarked that the makers should have waited for the certification process to conclude. The Bench cautioned against creating artificial urgency by fixing a release date without securing the necessary clearance, observing that such actions amounted to putting undue pressure on the judicial system.
The court has now listed the matter for further hearing on January 21, meaning the film’s release has been delayed by at least two weeks.
About Jana Nayagan
Directed by H Vinoth, Jana Nayagan features Vijay in the lead role, alongside Mamitha Baiju, Pooja Hegde and Bobby Deol. The film was originally slated for release on January 9, aligning with the Pongal festival. It is being widely described as Vijay’s final film before his formal political entry, as he prepares to contest the Tamil Nadu elections under the TVK banner.
Advance bookings had already opened in Karnataka, Kerala and overseas markets, with reports suggesting ticket prices soared to as high as ₹2,000, even as the film awaited censor approval.
The certification process reportedly hit a roadblock after a complaint was filed alleging that certain scenes in the film hurt religious sentiments. With the High Court’s latest order in place, the release of Jana Nayagan now stands postponed, and the makers are yet to announce a revised release date.
