The legal battle over Thalapathy Vijay and Bobby Deol starrer Jana Nayagan has taken a decisive turn. On Tuesday, the Madras High Court allowed KVN Productions to withdraw its writ petition seeking a UA certificate for the film. With this move, the producers have chosen to follow the statutory review process before the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) Revising Committee.
Justice PT Asha permitted the withdrawal of the plea. As a result, the earlier court proceedings have now been closed. The film will move forward under the CBFC’s internal review mechanism.
This development comes as a setback for fans who were hoping for clarity on the release date. However, it also brings a clear path forward for certification.
Jana Nayagan Release Delay: What Led To The Court Decision?
The controversy began earlier this year when the CBFC referred Jana Nayagan to a Revising Committee just days before its planned Pongal release on January 9. Earlier (on December 22), the Examining Committee had recommended a UA16+ certificate with 14 cuts and modifications.
KVN Productions argued that the certification process was almost complete. According to them, only the formal issuance of the certificate remained. They approached the High Court, claiming that the referral to the Revising Committee disrupted the final stage and put the release at risk.
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Initially, a single-judge bench directed the CBFC to issue the UA16+ certificate. However, on January 27, a Division Bench led by Chief Justice MM Shrivastava and Justice Arul Murugan set aside that order. The bench observed that the CBFC had not been given enough time to present its response before the earlier direction was passed.
The CBFC maintained that the Examining Committee’s recommendation was not a final decision under the Cinematograph Rules. The Board also stated that the chairperson acted within his powers after receiving a complaint. The complaint reportedly raised concerns about scenes involving the Indian Armed Forces and possible hurt to religious sentiments.
Senior advocate Satish Parasaran (appearing for KVN Productions) argued that the Board had effectively accepted the recommendation and that only certification remained. However, after the Division Bench ruling, the producers decided to withdraw their petition and participate in the Revising Committee process.
What Follows Next For Vijay’s Final Film?
With the legal route closed, Jana Nayagan will now be reviewed by the CBFC Revising Committee. This panel usually includes nine members. They will watch the film again and decide whether to grant a U, UA or A certificate.
The committee may also suggest additional edits. Notably, the makers have already implemented 27 cuts and modifications in December 2025.
Industry sources suggest that the re-examination could take up to 20 days. If the process moves smoothly, an early March 2026 release looks possible. There is also a slight chance of a late February release if the committee clears the film quickly.
Meanwhile, reports indicate growing pressure from streaming partners. Since the original January release was delayed, producers are keen to complete the theatrical run before digital premiere commitments come into effect.
According to KVN Productions, Jana Nayagan was first submitted to the CBFC on December 18, 2025, and had already undergone scrutiny before the dispute began.
