The Madras High Court has delivered a fresh setback to Jana Nayagan, starring Vijay, by temporarily staying the issuance of the film’s U/A certificate.
During the second hearing on January 9, the court put a stay on its earlier order directing the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to grant certification, stating that the matter must be heard in full before any clearance is issued.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan observed that the CBFC should have been given sufficient time to raise objections.
“At least two or three days should have been given to the board,” the bench remarked.
The judges also strongly criticised the film’s producers for fixing a release date without having a censor certificate in hand.
“How can you go ahead with the release of the movie without even a certificate? You can’t fix a date and put pressure on the system,” the bench told the makers.
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for KVN Productions, argued that the delay was triggered by a complaint from a single CBFC member despite the examining committee viewing the film. He also pointed out that Jana Nayagan was originally slated for a January 9 release.
However, the court was unconvinced.
“You are creating urgency and putting pressure on the court,” the bench observed, adding that the makers should have waited for the certification process to conclude.
The court also questioned the CBFC over the urgency of its appeal, asking why it was filed so hastily. With the next hearing scheduled for January 21, the highly anticipated Pongal 2026 release window now appears out of reach for the film.
Earlier in the day, Justice PT Asha had criticised the CBFC’s handling of the case, warning against a “dangerous trend” of last-minute objections derailing certification. She had noted that the complaint appeared to be an afterthought once recommendations were already made.
Directed by H Vinoth, Jana Nayagan stars Vijay, Pooja Hegde and Mamitha Baiju in key roles.
The case has now become a key flashpoint in the debate around film certification, release pressures and the independence of regulatory bodies.
