Jana Nayagan censor case updates: Makers react to certification row as Vijay's movie release get delayed

Jana Nayagan producer showed belief in judicial process in the latest video as he also thanked fans for showing unwavering support even after delays due to 'development beyond their control'.

In a long tweet, Ram Gopal Verma wrote, 'If the argument is 'think of the children or adults who are like children,' it takes very less intelligence to understand that they cannot be protected by blunt scissors wielded by committees, whose own personal tastes pass off as public morality also not to forget their bias and agendas. Age classification makes sense. Warnings of the content makes sense. Censorship does not.'

The filmmaker further wrote, 'Continuing to defend the relevance of the censor board today is like insisting on a watchman for a building whose walls have already been broken and everyone can see what’s inside. The world has already moved on to so many platforms which are unfiltered and unsupervised and so the painful question is whether the authorities have the courage to admit that they are obsolete, and more than that, whether we as a film industry collectively have the will to question them on the same. So instead of raising this topic once in a while over a particular film, the fight should be with that particular system of thinking which created the censor board.'

After the undecided postponement of Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan, X users have expressed their concern over the cast and makers and have requested a joint response from them. But as the Madras HC will hear the matter on January 21, it is expected that the makers will make an official announcement then.

Fans speculate if Jana Nayagan makers will file a petition in the Supreme Court of India to clear its certification process as the Madras High Court issued a stay on the film's certification but directed the makers of Thalapathy Vijay's film that they could appeal in apex court, if they wish.

Several X posts are suggesting that Tamil Nadu theatres that were prepared to release Jana Nayagan to day and on January 14, are preparing to release old films of superstar Thalapathy Vijay, to cater to fans anticipation.

Chief Justice to Jana Nayagan makers: 'You're creating an urgency and putting pressure on court. False state of urgency is being created saying that we have to release the movie on such date...January 6 order is not under challenge and it has been challenged.'

The Madras High Court stayed the certification of Vijay starrer Jana Nayagan after hearing an appeal filed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The court has now scheduled the matter for further hearing on January 21.

During the hearing on CBFC's appeal against a lower court's order favouring Thalapathy Vijay's film Jana Nayagan, The Madras High Court Chief Justice's bench questioned why the appeal was filed so urgently on the same day. 

The Additional Solicitor General explained the timeline: Petition filed on January 5, heard on 6th, and a required letter submitted on 7th as ordered by the court.

After Jana Nayagan was cleared by Madras High Court, Censor Board of Film Certification filed a writ appeal, to provide an A certificate to film instead of U/A. Now the Chief Justice's bench is hearing the case.

For the unversed, the title of Thalapathy Vijay's final film before entering politics, Jana Nayagan, is a Tamil phrase that means 'People's Hero' or 'Leader of the People.'

Jana Nayagan features an ensemble star cast. Besides Thalapathy Vijay, the film includes the following actors:

• Pooja Hegde
• Bobby Deol
• Mamitha Baiju
• Gautham Vasudev Menon
• Prakash Raj
• Priyamani
• Narain

Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan is produced by Venkat K Narayana and co-produced by Jagadish Palanisamy and Lohith NK. The movie is produced under the banner of KVN Productions. 

TVK legal wing advocates were seen celebrating outside the Madras High Court after the court directed the CBFC to issue a U/A 16+ certificate for TVK Chief and actor Vijay's Tamil action film Jana Nayagan.

The Madras High Court on Friday has approved the petition filed by the makers of Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan and ordered the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to immediately issue a 'U/A' certificate for the film. 

Thalapathy Vijay's film Jana Nayagan will have a new release date. The makers are expected to announce it for the Tamil action thriller very soon.

The court said in its verdict, "Exercise of power by the chairperson is without jurisdiction since the power of chairperson to send for review stood abdicated after he, on behalf of committee informed that UA certificate would be granted subject to incisions."

The court clarified that once the examining committee's suggested changes are made, the film's certificate will be issued automatically.

According to Live Law, while pronouncing the order, Justice PT Asha said, "After examining the materials, it is crystal clear that the complainant's grievance appears to be an afterthought."

According to Live Law, the Madras High Court has allowed the makers' petition, directing the CBFC to issue a U/A certificate forthwith.

The Madras High Court is set to soon rule on Jana Nayagan makers' plea over the delay in CBFC certification.

Filmmaker Venkat Prabhu who directed Thalapathy Vijay's film, The Greatest of All Time, took to his X handle and wrote, "No matter what!! This one is gonna be the BIGGEST farewell in Indian cinema #JanaNayagan (sic)."

The film's production house, KVN Productions, informed audiences and stakeholders about the postponement of Jana Nayagan through a social media post. In the statement, they wrote, "It is with a heavy heart that we share this update with our valued stakeholders and audiences. The release of Jana Nayagan, eagerly awaited on January 9, has been postponed due to unavoidable circumstances beyond our control (sic)."

They also mentioned that the decision to postpone the film was not an easy one and assured fans that, "The new release date will be announced at the earliest (sic)."

The verdict on Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan will be delivered by the Madras High Court on Friday, January 9, 2026. Justice Asha indicated that the order is likely to be pronounced on the morning of January 9 at 10:30 am.

Jana Nayagan is directed by H Vinoth and stars Thalapathy Vijay, Bobby Deol, and Pooja Hegde in the lead roles, with Mamitha Baiju, Priyamani, Gautham Vasudev Menon, and Narayan in supporting roles. It is produced under the banner of KVN Productions.

Several actors have taken to social media to express support with Thalapathy Vijay. Actor Jai took to X and wrote, "Obstacles are always piling up to stop you.. Breaking through them and arriving is nothing new for you—just your usual way!!  Like everyone else, as a fan  as a little brother  I’m waiting for the day you come as a people’s hero, calling it Pongal, anna… @actorvijay (sic)"

Thalapathy Vijay's film Jana Nayagan was initially submitted to the CBFC on December 18, 2025, after the objections, the makers carried out around 27 cuts and resubmitted it on December 22. Although the examining committee recommended a U/A 16+ certificate, the official approval was not granted. After this, KVN Productions moved the Madras High Court, citing delays despite major cuts and stated that nearly Rs 500 crore has been invested in the project.

Amid the uncertainty around Jana Nayagan,Tamil Nadu-based theatre Ram Muthuram Cinemas extended a heartfelt gesture to fans. The theatre announced a special screening of Mersal on X, calling it a "small token of love" for Thalapathy Vijay and his fanbase. The X post reads, "Dear Lovable #ThalapathyFans, We understand how difficult the situation is right now. To bring a smile and keep the spirits high, we’ve decided to screen #Mersal tomorrow exclusively at #RamCinemas as a small token of love for @actorvijay and his incredible fans Let's keep the momentum going! (sic)"

The Madras High Court will deliver its verdict on the Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan censor dispute on Friday, January 9, at 10:30 am, after KVN Productions moved an urgent plea over the CBFC’s delay in issuing the censor certificate.