The Supreme Court of India declined on 15th January to intervene in the dispute over the certification of the film Jana Nayagan, which features the actor-turned-politician Vijay. A bench of Justice Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih would not accept the appeal from KVN Productions, the film’s producer, and ordered them to present their case in the Madras High Court. The Supreme Court invited the High Court’s division bench to dispose of the outstanding appeal by January 20, 2026, and at the same time criticized the “blistering pace” at which the matter had initially moved through the lower courts.
The issue started when the film, initially set for a January 9, 2026, Pongal release, was postponed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) after the CBFC held up its censor certificate. And on January 9, a single judge of the Madras High Court ordered the CBFC to issue a U/A 16+ certificate. However, within hours, the division bench suspended this ruling after the CBFC appealed, citing procedural issues and the need for expert assessment of some representations, including military insignia.
At the Supreme Court, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, who represented the producers, contended that the delay was causing severe financial losses, as advertising costs are perishable. The movie has a lot of anticipation surrounding it, as it is likely to be Vijay’s last undertaking before he fully enters politics with his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The case is back with the Madras High Court for quick resolution.
