Vijay’s Jana Nayagan Faces Delay, January 9 Release In Doubt

The eagerly anticipated January 9, 2026, release of actor Vijay’s film Jana Nayagan release to be in doubt.

This is because the Madras High Court, on Wednesday (January 7, 2026), has reserved its decision on a writ petition from KVN Productions LLP, the production company, regarding the delay in getting a censor certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

Justice P.T. Asha postponed her ruling after listening to the arguments from Additional Solicitor General (ASG) AR.L. Sundaresan representing the CBFC, and senior lawyer Satish Parasaran, who was supported by advocate Vijayan Subramanian, representing the production house.

The judge hinted that the decision might only be announced on January 9.

During the arguments, the ASG mentioned that one of the five members from the examining committee, who had viewed the movie on December 19, sent a complaint to the CBFC chairman, expressing that his objections were overlooked before the committee suggested issuing a U/A 16+ certificate with certain cuts.

The ASG claimed that the CBFC chairman had the complete authority to make such a decision under the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules of 2024 before issuing the censor certificate, and as a result, the chairman chose to send the film to a revising committee with more members.

The ASG argued that the court could only order the CBFC to carry out its functions within the legal timeframes and make a decision either way.

On the other hand, Mr. Parasaran argued that a dissent from one of the five committee members shouldn’t be given much weight by the CBFC.

He stated that the majority recommendation from the four members should take precedence over the minority opinion expressed by a single member of the committee.

He pointed out that the production house had completed all 27 cuts and changes suggested by the examining committee, and therefore, the movie should be granted the U/A 16+ certificate without needing to go to the revising committee based on the ‘so-called complaint’ from one member.

“The CBFC must carry out its obligations under the law. All I’m asking is that Your Lordship remind them of their public responsibility and help them get back on track. I have ₹500 crore invested. This should not be treated carelessly. Additionally, I’ve been shouting from the rooftops that the film will be released on January 9”.

The senior counsel continued, “I applied as early as December 18 and even went through the Tatkal process.