Legal Battle Intensifies CBFC Certification Row Vijay’s Last Film Before Entering Politics
In a dramatic escalation surrounding the release of Jana Nayagan, touted to be actor Vijay’s last film before officially stepping into electoral politics, the movie’s producer has now approached the Supreme Court of India. This move comes after the Madras High Court’s division bench stayed a single bench’s order that had earlier directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to issue a U/A 16+ certificate for the film.
The legal tug-of-war has placed the film’s release initially scheduled as a Pongal 2026 outing on January 9 in uncertainty. With Vijay’s growing political presence and the film already generating massive public interest, the certification freeze has triggered intense debates within both the film fraternity and political circles.
A Certification That Turned Into a Courtroom Battle
The controversy began when the CBFC Chairperson referred Jana Nayagan to the Revising Committee on January 6, just days before its release. This was despite the Examining Committee at CBFC’s Chennai Regional Office having already agreed to grant the film a U/A 16+ certification, subject to minor edits.
The producer immediately challenged the CBFC Chairperson’s sudden change of course, taking the matter to the Madras High Court.
On January 9, a single bench of Justice PT Asha ruled in favour of the producer, directing the CBFC to issue the certificate immediately. The Bench held that the Chairperson’s act of referring the film to a new committee was “unsustainable,” especially since:
- The Examining Committee had already approved certification.
- The Chairperson’s order was issued suo motu after accepting the committee’s recommendation.
- A complaint filed by a member of the initial Examining Committee who had previously cleared the film raised suspicion.
“Such a volte face by a member of an Examining Committee.. would give rise to a dangerous trend of members reneging on their recommendations,” the single bench said, sharply criticizing the abrupt reversal.
However, this relief was short-lived.
Division Bench Steps In, Stays the Order Immediately
Within hours of the single bench order, the CBFC filed an urgent appeal before the division bench headed by Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan.
Hearing the matter on the same day, the bench stayed the single bench’s direction, effectively freezing the film’s certification again. They also adjourned the matter for the next hearing scheduled on January 20.
The division bench observed:
- The single bench passed the order without giving the CBFC sufficient opportunity to present its position.
- The producer’s writ petition, filed on January 6, was heard unusually quickly on January 7 and decided on January 9, which raised concerns about haste.
- The Chairperson’s January 6 order was not challenged by the producers in their writ petition, despite being the root cause of the dispute.
The Bench also questioned why the producers were announcing the release date before securing CBFC clearance, calling it an unnecessary pressure tactic.
Why the Film Was Sent to the Revising Committee
According to case details, Jana Nayagan was first submitted for certification in December 2025. The CBFC suggested a set of changes, which the producers readily implemented. The revised version was submitted on December 24, and by December 29, CBFC’s Chennai office informed the producers that the new version would be certified.
However, due to technical glitches in the uploading portal, the producers could not complete the formalities. They claimed to have already informed the CBFC office about the issue.
Things took a dramatic turn on January 5, when the CBFC Chairperson notified the producers that the film was being referred to a Revising Committee under Rule 24, citing a complaint from an Examining Committee member.
The complaint alleged:
- The film hurt religious sentiments
- The film portrayed armed forces in an objectionable manner
- Ironically, the very same member had earlier approved the film.
Justice PT Asha, in the single bench judgment, called this reversal alarming, stating that such a turnaround “would erode the sanctity” of the certification process.
Producer Approaches the Supreme Court
With the Madras High Court’s division bench now halting the certification again, the producer has opted for the final judicial route the Supreme Court of India.
According to legal sources, the producer’s appeal argues that:
- The Examining Committee had already granted clearance, and the Chairperson’s last-minute referral is arbitrary.
- The film’s release has already been derailed, causing financial losses and affecting distributors.
- The division bench’s stay order violates the natural justice principle, as the certification had undergone due process.
The appeal is expected to be taken up urgently, given the time-sensitive nature of film releases and the public attention around Vijay’s politically significant project.
Why ‘Jana Nayagan’ Has Become More Than Just a Film
Beyond the certification dispute, Jana Nayagan carries political weight. It is widely anticipated as Vijay’s final film before entering full-time politics with his newly launched party TVK.
The film’s storyline, tone, and messaging are under intense public scrutiny making its certification and release even more politically charged.
Analysts believe the dispute may even influence the narrative around Vijay’s political debut, especially as supporters and critics watch closely.
Industry Reaction: Shock, Support, and Anxiety
The Tamil film industry has expressed mixed reactions:
Many producers empathize with KVN Productions, calling the situation “unprecedented and stressful.”
Some filmmakers fear this case may set a precedent for last-minute certification hurdles, especially for films with political themes.
Audience reactions on social media show frustration and curiosity, with #JanaNayagan, #ReleaseTheFilm, and #JusticeForJanaNayagan trending frequently.
Trade analysts say the delay has already impacted show scheduling, distribution contracts, and festival slotting.
What Happens Next?
The ball now lies in the Supreme Court’s court. The apex court’s decision will determine:
- Whether the single bench order allowing the certification stands
- Whether the CBFC Chairperson’s referral to the Revising Committee was lawful
- Whether the film can proceed toward release without further delay
If the Supreme Court rules in favor of the producers, the film may still manage a January release push, or at least a February one. But if the CBFC’s decision is upheld, Jana Nayagan may face substantial re-examination, pushing its release even further.
The Jana Nayagan certification storm has become a major legal and political flashpoint. What began as a routine certification process has spiraled into a multi-level courtroom battle involving questions of fairness, administrative discretion, and political timing.
For now, Vijay fans, industry insiders, and political observers all have their eyes set on the Supreme Court’s next move. One thing is certain Jana Nayagan is no longer just a film release; it’s a high-stakes event at the intersection of cinema, politics, and law.
