After a single judge hearing directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in India to issue the UA certificate to Tamil film Jana Nayagan, the Madras High Court on Friday (January 9) temporarily stayed the single judge's order, remarking on procedural fairness of the case.

A key issue was that the CBFC’s January 6, 2026 letter referring the film to the revising committee was not specifically challenged by film's producers KVN Productions. Despite this, the single judge effectively set aside that letter, which the division bench said went beyond the relief sought.

The court also questioned the claimed urgency, observing that no censor certificate had actually been granted yet, and that the producers had themselves fixed a release date and then approached the court, thereby creating artificial pressure. The bench remarked that a film cannot be released without a certificate, and producers cannot compel the system by announcing dates.

The division bench of of Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan then ruled that until CBFC'sappeal is fully heard, the single judge’s order of granting Jana Nayagan U/A certificate cannot be implemented. Following this Jana Nayagan producer Venkat K Narayana of KVN Productions, put out a video statement wherein he said,

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— KVN Productions (@KvnProductions) January 9, 2026

"To everyone who has been waiting for our film Jana Nayagan with immense love and anticipation, we extend our sincere gratitude. Over the past few days, we have received countless calls and messages and each one reminds us how deeply this film is already loved. We wish to place certain facts before you while respectfully acknowledging that the matter (Jana Nayagan censor and release delay) is currently subjudice, which limits what we can and cannot say.

 

The film was submitted to CBFC on December 18, 2025, which was viewed by the examining committee and on December 22, 2025, we received an email stating that the film would be granted UA/16+ certificate subject to few changes. We incorporated the suggested changes and resubmitted the film, believing we were finally ready to share our work with you, and release the film.

 

However, the formal certificate was still awaited and follow ups were being made for the same. Then just few days before our planned (January 9, 2026) release, on 5th January 2026 evening, we were informed that film had been referred to revising committee based on one complaint. With the time running out to approach revised committee and without knowing who the complainant was, we approached the honourable (Madras) high court.

 

After hearing the matter on 6th and 7th of January 2026, the court directed this morning (January 9, 2026) that UA/16+ certificate be issued. But CBFC challenged this decision immediately and the order to issue the certification is currently stayed, and interim stay has been granted.

 

We sincerely apologize to our audiences, distributors, exhibitors and all other stakeholders who stood by us during this difficult period. As you know, we made every possible effort to bring this film to the audiences as planned, but these developments were beyond our control. This has been an extremely emotional and difficult moment for everyone who has poured their heart, soul and years of hard work into this film. 

 

Above all, we firmly believe that Thalapathy Vijay sir deserves the farewell that he has earned through decades of love from his fans, and the respect from the industry. Your patience, belief and unwavering support gives us the strength. We have complete faith in the judicial process and remain hopeful that the film will reach the audiences at the earliest. Thank you."