Chennai, January 27, 2026: Actor Vijay’s much-anticipated farewell film, Jana Nayagan, has faced a legal hurdle, as the Madras High Court today set aside a single judge’s direction that ordered the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to grant a U/A 16+ certificate.
The Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G. Arul Murugan, held that the single judge should have allowed the CBFC sufficient time to file a counter-affidavit before issuing the interim order. The case has now been remitted back to the single judge for a fresh hearing, potentially prolonging the legal process ahead of the film’s release.
Political and Electoral Context
Observers note that the legal setback comes amid Model Code of Conduct (MCC) considerations, echoing controversies surrounding the delayed release of the Narendra Modi biopic before the 2019 general elections. Political analysts suggest that any film release during sensitive electoral periods can attract scrutiny under the MCC, influencing timelines and public perception.
Court Observations
The High Court emphasized that:
- The single judge bypassed natural justice principles by issuing orders without the CBFC’s input.
- Allegations against the film were serious enough to warrant review by the CBFC before certification.
- KVN Productions, the film’s producers, have been allowed to amend their writ petition and specifically challenge the CBFC Chairperson’s review order.
Implications for ‘Jana Nayagan’
The fresh hearing could delay the film’s release, keeping fans and the industry in suspense. Meanwhile, the episode highlights the importance of procedural fairness in film certification disputes, particularly when high-profile movies coincide with politically sensitive periods.
