Vijay’s Political Farewell Film Jana Nayagan Hits Certification Roadblock, Release Date Uncertain

Chennai: The release of Tamil superstar Vijay’s highly anticipated film Jana Nayagan has been thrown into uncertainty after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) failed to grant clearance ahead of its planned Pongal release. The film, expected to hit theatres on January 9, is now unlikely to arrive on schedule due to pending certification issues.

The matter reached the Madras High Court, where the film’s producer KVN Productions LLP sought a directive to the CBFC to issue the censor certificate without further delay. After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice P.T. Asha reserved the order, indicating that a decision would be delivered only on January 9 — effectively leaving the film’s release hanging in the balance.

During the hearing, the CBFC informed the court that an examining committee had earlier viewed the film in December and recommended a U/A 16+ certificate. However, the certification process stalled after one committee member raised objections to the film’s content. The dissenting member later escalated the matter to the CBFC chairperson, following which the film was referred to a revising committee, as allowed under the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024.

Representing the CBFC, Additional Solicitor General A.R.L. Sundaresan maintained that the chairperson acted within legal authority and that judicial interference at this stage would hinder the statutory certification process.

On the other hand, the producers strongly contested the delay. Senior advocate Satish Parasaran, appearing for KVN Productions, argued that objections raised by a single committee member should not override the decision of the majority. He told the court that the filmmakers had already implemented all edits and changes suggested by the examining committee and that there was no justification for further postponement.

The controversy has gained heightened attention as Jana Nayagan is believed to be Vijay’s last film before his full-time entry into politics. The actor recently launched his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, and has publicly stated that he will step away from cinema to focus on his political journey. With Tamil Nadu Assembly elections approaching later this year, the film is widely seen as Vijay’s cinematic goodbye and a symbolic bridge to his political ambitions.