Jana Nayagan release stalled as producer backs Vijay during tough CBFC court row

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India: Director H Vinoth’s Vijay-starrer Jana Nayagan has been postponed from its planned January 9 Pongal release after delays in securing certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Speaking for the first time since the matter reached the Madras High Court, producer Venkat K Narayana of KVN Productions called the situation “extremely challenging,” saying the prolonged uncertainty has taken a heavy emotional toll on the team.

Venkat said the film was submitted to the CBFC on December 18, 2025, and was initially cleared by the examining committee, with an email on December 22 confirming a UA 16+ certificate subject to changes. After implementing the suggested modifications, the makers were informed just days before release that the film had been referred to a revising committee following a single complaint. With no clarity and time running out, the producers approached the High Court. While a single judge directed the CBFC to issue certification on January 9, the order was later stayed by a division bench, pushing the case to January 21 and derailing plans for a January 14 release.

With the release now uncertain, Venkat said the ordeal has been deeply emotional, stressing that Vijay “deserves the farewell he has earned” after decades in cinema. He apologised to fans, distributors, and theatre owners, noting the delay was beyond the team’s control. There is currently no clarity on when Jana Nayagan, also starring Mamitha Baiju, Pooja Hegde, and Bobby Deol, will reach theatres, even as Vijay prepares for the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections under his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).