Supreme Court Denies Plea for Censor Certificate of Vijay's Film 'Jana Nayagan'

The Supreme Court has refused to entertain a plea from the producer of 'Jana Nayagan', starring Vijay, regarding the issuance of a censor certificate. The court noted that the Madras High Court is already addressing the matter, with a hearing scheduled for January 20. This film is significant as it represents Vijay's final release before his full-time political career. The ongoing controversy stems from certification delays due to objections from a committee member, despite a majority recommending a U/A 16+ rating. The situation raises questions about the pressures faced by producers in the film industry.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 15, 2026, 12:50 IST

Supreme Court's Ruling on Film Certification

New Delhi: On Thursday, the Supreme Court rejected a request from the producer of the Tamil film 'Jana Nayagan', featuring actor and politician Vijay, which sought intervention to compel the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to issue a censor certificate for the film's release.

The bench, led by Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih, pointed out that the Madras High Court's Division Bench is already handling the case, with a hearing set for January 20.

Justice Datta's bench stated, "We are not inclined to interfere. The Division Bench should strive to resolve the appeal on January 20," denying any immediate relief.

The special leave petition (SLP) was submitted by KVN Productions LLP, contesting an interim ruling from the Madras High Court Division Bench, which had suspended a single judge's order for the CBFC to issue a censor certificate without delay.

Previously, on January 9, a single-judge bench of the Madras High Court had approved the producer's request and instructed the CBFC to issue a U/A 16+ certificate promptly. However, the CBFC filed an urgent appeal that same day, leading to the Division Bench's stay of the single judge's order, which prompted the producer to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court.

The Division Bench, consisting of Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G. Arul Murugan, postponed the case for further deliberation on January 20.

In staying the order from Justice P.T. Asha, the Division Bench noted that the ruling was made without providing adequate opportunity for the CBFC to respond. They highlighted that the writ petition was filed on January 6 and heard the following day.

The Division Bench questioned the producer's choice to announce a release date without obtaining CBFC clearance, suggesting that the producers may have exerted undue pressure on the Madras High Court by referencing the film's intended release date of January 9.

This situation has arisen due to certification delays stemming from objections raised by one member of the examining committee, despite the other members recommending a U/A 16+ certificate with specific modifications.

'Jana Nayagan' is particularly significant as it marks Vijay's last film release before he fully transitions into politics.