Updated: Jan 8, 2026

The much-anticipated Vijay-starrer Jana Nayagan, originally scheduled for release on January 9, has been postponed due to unresolved issues with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the production house confirmed. KVN Productions described the delay as due to “unavoidable circumstances beyond our control” and expressed regret over disappointing fans.

The controversy centers on the certification of the film, with the producers seeking a ‘UA 16+’ rating from the CBFC. Despite the examining committee recommending clearance with cuts, a member raised objections, halting the certification process. The Madras High Court has reserved its verdict on the matter, leaving the release in limbo.

The delay has sparked political reactions, with Congress MP Manickam Tagore alleging that the certification process is being “weaponised” to curb freedom of expression in cinema. He claimed that art was being forced to “kneel before power” and linked the dispute to wider institutional pressures.

The postponement is particularly significant as Jana Nayagan is widely regarded as Vijay’s final film before his full-time political entry with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) ahead of the Tamil Nadu assembly elections in March-April 2026.

The delay also affects international distributors in the UK, North America, Canada, and Malaysia, as CBFC clearance for the Tamil version is a prerequisite for approval of dubbed versions in Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada.

Directed by H. Vinoth and produced by Venkat K. Narayana, Jana Nayagan features a star-studded cast including Bobby Deol, Mamitha Baiju, Prakash Raj, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Priyamani, and Narain, with music by Anirudh Ravichander. Fans and exhibitors now await the court verdict and a new release date.

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