The Madras High Court decision to reverse its previous order for instant movie certification has created new doubts about the future of Vijay’s upcoming Tamil film Jana Nayagan.
The High Court Division Bench on Tuesday annulled the single-judge ruling which ordered the Central Board of Film Certification to issue a censor certificate without any delay. The court found that the objections which the CBFC raised about Army references and religious sentiments needed more detailed examination through judicial procedures.
Why the High Court intervened
The First Bench, which consists of Chief Justice M M Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan, found that Justice P T Asha issued judicial orders without giving the CBFC sufficient time to submit its counter affidavit. The Bench found that the court should not handle sensitive matters through rushed legal procedures which required urgent processing.
The court established that the CBFC acted with valid reasons when it decided to send the film to a reviewing committee for assessment. The Bench found that certain scenes or dialogues required additional investigation because they had the potential to disrupt religious peace and create problems connected to the Armed Forces.
Background of the dispute
The dispute started after a five-member examination committee recommended the film for certification on December 22, 2025. The CBFC Chairperson interrupted the procedure after one committee member filed a complaint which he sent to a revising committee for evaluation. The producers received official notice about the decision on January 5 2026.
The producers filed a legal challenge against this decision at the High Court. Justice Asha canceled the CBFC’s message on January 9 and ordered the board to provide a censor certificate without delay. The Division Bench suspended that order on the same day which resulted in the current decision.
Impact on the film’s release
The film had planned to launch its cinematic presentation during the Pongal 2026 festival season yet certification delays now threaten to extend its release date.
The project has drawn heightened attention as it is widely seen as Vijay’s final film before his full-time political entry. The actor leads the newly formed Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam TVK which is set to make its electoral debut in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
Relief for the producers
The High Court provided relief to M/s KVN Productions LLP after it rejected the previous order. The Bench permitted them to change their petition so they could request a faster court date before the single judge who will decide if the CBFC decision for a revising committee was appropriate.
What happens next?
The single judge will reevaluate the case by examining whether the CBFC performed its duties according to its established powers. The film’s creators plan to request emergency Supreme Court intervention which will address their certification problem and permit their film to be released.
The status of Jana Nayagan as a film and political symbol will remain suspended until a final resolution is achieved.
