The case stems from an appeal filed by the CBFC against a January 9 order of a single judge, Justice Asha, who had directed the board to grant the film a censor certificate. On the same day, a division bench comprising Chief Justice M.M. Shrivastava and Justice G. Arul Murugan stayed the single judge's directive, citing the need to hear the CBFC's appeal in detail.

How the censor row unfolded

KVN Productions submitted Jana Nayagan to the CBFC for certification on December 18. The examining committee screened the film on December 22 and informed the producer that it would be certified UA 16+, subject to 14 cuts.

According to the producer, the requested edits were completed between December 25 and January 5, following which multiple emails were sent to the CBFC seeking the certificate. With no response forthcoming, the producer approached the Madras High Court on January 5, seeking an expedited certification.

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A day later, on January 6, the CBFC uploaded a note on the e-Cinepramaan portal stating that the film had been referred to a revising committee on the instructions of CBFC chairperson Prasoon Joshi. During proceedings on January 7, the CBFC informed the court that the certification process had been stalled following a complaint by a member of the examining committee. The complainant reportedly raised concerns that certain scenes could "hurt religious sentiments" and that sequences depicting the armed forces required further clearance.

Justice Asha, in her January 9 order, asked the CBFC to set aside the chairperson's decision and proceed with certifying the film. The CBFC immediately moved the division bench, arguing that it had not been given adequate time to present its case. The bench stayed the single judge's order and scheduled a detailed hearing for January 20. In the meantime, the producer released a video explaining the delay in certification.

The producer subsequently moved the Supreme Court on January 12, challenging the High Court stay. However, on January 15, the apex court declined to hear the matter and directed the producer to seek relief from the High Court.
Timeline of Jana Nayagan censor dispute

18 December 2025: KVN Productions submits Jana Nayagan to the CBFC for certification.

22 December 2025: Examining committee screens the film and informs the producer that it would receive a UA 16+ certificate, subject to 14 cuts.

25 December 2025 - 5 January 2026: Producer completes the 14 cuts and sends multiple emails to the CBFC requesting the certificate. No response is received.

5 January 2026: Producer approaches the Madras High Court seeking an expedited certification process.

6 January 2026: CBFC uploads a note on the e-Cinepramaan portal stating that the film has been referred to a revising committee on the instructions of CBFC chairperson Prasoon Joshi.

7 January 2026: During court proceedings, CBFC informs the court that certification was stalled following a complaint from a member of the examining committee. The complainant cited concerns that certain scenes could "hurt religious sentiments" and that sequences depicting the armed forces required clearance.

9 January 2026: Justice Asha directs the CBFC to set aside the chairperson's decision and grant the film certification. The CBFC immediately moves the division bench, which stays the single judge's order and schedules a detailed hearing for 20 January.

12 January 2026: Producer moves the Supreme Court challenging the High Court stay.

15 January 2026: Supreme Court declines to hear the matter and directs the producer to seek relief from the High Court.

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January 20 hearing

During the hearing on January 20, the CBFC argued that the 14 cuts suggested by the examining committee were only "intermediary" and did not automatically entitle the film to certification. It also questioned why the makers had announced a release date without receiving formal clearance and cast doubt on the claimed ₹500 crore investment.

KVN Productions countered by highlighting the lack of communication from the CBFC after the cuts were made and pointed out that announcing release dates prior to certification was common industry practice, citing Dhurandhar 2 as an example.

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Chief Justice Shrivastava also questioned the CBFC over a letter from chairperson Prasoon Joshi that allegedly halted the certification process. "Where is this letter? The case has moved from the writ court to the appeal court, yet no one has seen this document," he observed. The CBFC informed the court that, but for the ongoing litigation, the revising committee would have certified the film by January 26.

What lies ahead for Jana Nayagan

The court's decision will be crucial for the release of Jana Nayagan, which is widely viewed as actor Vijay's political launchpad ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections through his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

With the elections expected in April or May, the makers may aim for a February release if certification is granted soon. However, once the Election Commission of India announces the poll schedule and the Model Code of Conduct comes into force, the film's release could face restrictions until after the elections.