Jana Nayagan row: The Supreme Court has dealt a setback to the makers of Jana Nayagan, starring actor-politician Vijay, by refusing to entertain their plea seeking immediate clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The apex court, on January 15, asked the producers to approach the Madras High Court instead, making it clear that it was “not inclined to hear” the matter at this stage.

A bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Augustine George Masih dismissed the petition filed by KVN Productions LLP, the film’s producer. The judges pointed out that the Madras High Court’s division bench has already scheduled the matter for hearing on January 20, leaving no reason for the Supreme Court to intervene at present.

Supreme Court declines urgent hearing on Jana Nayagan

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the producers, argued that it is a long-established industry practice to announce a film’s release date before receiving CBFC certification. He added that more than 5,000 theatres had already been booked for the release. However, Justice Datta raised concerns about the speed with which the single bench of the High Court had earlier disposed of the case within a day. He also noted that the CBFC Chairperson’s order dated January 6, referring the film to a Revising Committee, had not been directly challenged.

Jana Nayagan, announced as a Pongal release on January 9. However, the film ran into trouble after the CBFC Chairperson decided to refer it to a Revising Committee. This came despite the Examining Committee of the CBFC’s Chennai office agreeing to grant a U/A 16+ certificate, subject to certain edits. The referral reportedly followed a complaint alleging that parts of the film hurt religious sentiments and involved a sensitive portrayal of the armed forces.

Madras High Court single bench orders immediate certification

The producers moved the Madras High Court, stating that they had submitted the film for certification in December 2025 and accepted the changes suggested by the CBFC. A revised version was submitted on December 24, and on December 29, the Chennai regional office informed them that certification would follow. However, technical glitches during the final upload delayed the process. On January 5, the producers were informed about the referral to the Revising Committee under Rule 24.

On January 9, a single bench of the High Court directed the CBFC to issue the certificate immediately. Justice PT Asha ruled that the Chairperson’s decision to suo motu refer the film after accepting the Examining Committee’s recommendation was unsustainable. She also questioned the validity of a complaint filed by a committee member who had earlier cleared the film.

Later the same day, the CBFC appealed before the division bench, which stayed the single bench’s order and adjourned the case to January 20. The division bench observed that the CBFC had not been given adequate time to respond and questioned why the release date was announced before certification.

More about Jana Nayagan

Directed by H Vinoth,Jana Nayagan is widely seen as Vijay’s final film before his full-time political entry through his party TVK. The political action thriller also stars Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, Mamitha Baiju, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj and Priyamani, with music by Anirudh Ravichander.