Jana Nayagan Censor Row: CBFC Moves Chief Justice After Court Clears Vijay Film

The release of Jana Nayagan, widely viewed as actor-politician Vijay’s farewell film, took another dramatic turn on Friday after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) approached the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, minutes after a single-judge bench ordered the issuance of a censor certificate.

The development followed a detailed court hearing in which Justice PT Asha directed the CBFC to grant a U/A 16+ certificate to the film, ruling that the objections raised at a late stage by one dissenting examining committee member did not justify withholding certification. The judge observed that entertaining such post-recommendation complaints sets a “dangerous precedent” and could disrupt the film certification process.

Jana Nayagan, originally slated for a worldwide release on January 9 across nearly 5,000 screens, had been postponed after the CBFC failed to issue the certificate despite four out of five examining committee members clearing the film. The matter was escalated to a revising committee after the dissenting member filed a complaint directly with the board’s chairperson, citing unresolved concerns.

Following the favourable verdict, celebrations broke out among Vijay’s fans across Tamil Nadu, with supporters gathering outside theatres and flooding social media with messages welcoming the court’s order. Several prominent figures from the Tamil film industry also expressed relief, calling the judgement a significant moment for creative freedom and procedural clarity.

However, the relief was short-lived. Within minutes of the verdict, the CBFC sought permission to file an appeal and moved the Chief Justice’s bench, requesting that the matter be taken up either the same day or on Monday. The Chief Justice directed the board to formally file its appeal, after which the request would be examined.

Despite the legal clearance, the makers of Jana Nayagan have clarified that the final decision on the release date now rests with them. Industry sources indicate that the film could either hit screens within the next few days or be strategically shifted to a Pongal release on January 14, depending on logistics, exhibitor coordination and refund reconciliation.

The postponement has already triggered widespread ticket refunds, with several theatres initiating automated reimbursements for advance bookings. Trade circles estimate that the delay could have caused significant opening-weekend revenue losses, particularly in overseas markets where advance sales had surged.

The controversy has also sparked wider debate within the Tamil film industry over delays in the censor process. Another big-budget Tamil film scheduled for Pongal reportedly remains stuck at the certification stage, raising concerns among producers and distributors about last-minute disruptions.

For now, Jana Nayagan remains at the centre of intense public and industry attention. While the High Court’s ruling has cleared a major hurdle, the CBFC’s fresh move before the Chief Justice means the final chapter of this high-profile censor battle is yet to be written.