In a major setback for Vijay starrer ‘ Jana Nayagan ’, the Supreme Court on Thursday (January 15, 2026) refused to entertain the plea filed by the producer challenging the stay order passed by a Division Bench of the Madras High Court over the certification of the film.



A bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Augustine George Masih has refused to intervene in the issue, noting that the Madras High Court's Division Bench will hear the matter on January 20.



With the censor certification row ongoing, the release date of ‘Jana Nayagan’ remains uncertain. The film, originally slated for release on January 9, for the Pongal festive season, marks Vijay's final appearance on the silver screen before he shifts his focus fully to politics.



Here’s everything you need to know about the ‘Jana Nayagan’ censor controversy and how it unfolded.



‘Jana Nayagan’ - Vijay’s final on-screen appearance Actor Vijay will soon transition fully into politics, and ‘Jana Nayagan’ will be his final on-screen appearance. The film helmed by H Vinoth, hence, has emerged as one of the most anticipated films of the year. The advance bookings proved the anticipation around the film!



December 18: Film submitted to CBFC On December 18, the makers of ‘Jana Nayagan’ submitted the film to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Following the initial screening, the committee reportedly asked for multiple cuts. The makers agreed to the requirements, and as later stated before the Madras High Court, there were around 27 cuts.



December 22: Re-submission of the filmBased on the committee’s recommendations, the makers made the changes and submitted the revised version of the film to the CBFC. The CBFC's regional office reportedly conveyed that the examining committee had recommended a U/A 16+ certificate, as per the makers. The verbal assurance, however, didn’t come through, and the censor certificate was not issued.



January 5: Film referred to the revising committeeOn January 5, the CBFC Chairperson referred the film to the revising committee. The regional office directed the ‘Jana Nayagan’ makers to approach the CBFC’s Mumbai office.



The board later told the court that the production house had been informed of this referral via an email dated January 5. When asked about the delay, the CBFC stated that there was “no ulterior motive” behind the referral. The referral was triggered by an internal complaint from a member of the examining committee. The complaint alleged that certain contents of the film hurt religious sentiments and contained an objectionable portrayal of the armed forces.



January 6: Makers file a petition in Madras HC With the release date nearing, the makers of the film filed a petition in the Madras High Court on January 6, seeking the immediate issuance of the censor certificate. The producer cited that the delay could cost nearly Rs 500 crore, as tickets are sold.



January 7: ‘Jana Nayagan’ release postponed On Wednesday, during the hearing, the CBFC stated that the film was referred to the revising committee after a complaint alleged that it hurt the religious sentiments of a minority community. The portrayal of armed forces also raised concerns, and hence was directed for further review.



By evening, the makers of the film announced the postponement of ‘Jana Nayagan’. "It is with a heavy heart that we share this update with our valued stakeholders and audiences. The release date of Jana Nayagan, eagerly awaited on January 9, has been postponed due to unavoidable circumstances beyond our control. We deeply understand the anticipation, excitement, and emotions surrounding this film, and this decision has not been an easy one for any of us. The new release date will be announced at the earliest. Until then, we humbly request your patience and continued love. Your unwavering support is our greatest strength and means everything to the entire Jana Nayagan team,” they said in a statement.



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January 9: Madras HC directs censor board to grant certificationOn Friday, January 9, the Madras High Court directed the CBFC to grant a U/A certificate to 'Jana Nayagan'. "After examining materials, it is crystal clear that the complainant's grievance appears to be an afterthought," Justice PT Asha, while pronouncing the order, said. The court also noted that entertaining such complaints could lead to a 'dangerous trend.' Within hours, a two-judge Bench of the Madras HC had stayed the Single Judge order to issue a U/A 16+ certificate to the film.



January 12: Makers approach the Supreme Court The film’s producer filed an appeal on January 12, challenging the order passed by a Division Bench of the Madras High Court, which put on hold a single judge’s directive to the Central Board of Film Certification to issue the film's certificate forthwith.



What’s next?The makers of Vijay starrer ‘Jana Nayagan’ will have to wait till January 20. Next Tuesday, the Madras High Court's Division Bench will hear the matter.



Disclaimer: The information in this report is based on a legal hearing as reported by a third-party source. The details provided represent allegations made by the parties involved and are not proven facts. The case is ongoing, and a final verdict has not been reached. The publication does not claim that the allegations are true.