Jana Nayagan Controversy: Supreme Court Dismisses Film’s CBFC Petition, Madras Court To Make Decision

The legal battle over Thalapathy Vijay’s highly anticipated final film, Jana Nayagan, reached the highest court in the land today. On January 15, 2026, the Supreme Court of India dismissed a petition filed by the film’s producer, KVN Productions, seeking an immediate directive for the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to clear the movie for release.

Supreme Court’s Stand: “Go Back to the High Court”

A bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Augustine George Masih refused to entertain the Special Leave Petition (SLP), terming it “premature.”

• The Ruling: The Court noted that since the Madras High Court’s Division Bench is already scheduled to hear the matter on January 20, 2026, the producers should present their arguments there rather than bypassing the proper legal forum.
• Justice Datta’s Remarks: The Justice expressed concern over the “blistering pace” at which the initial single-judge order was passed (filed on Jan 6, decided on Jan 7) without giving the CBFC adequate time to respond.
• The “Perishable” Argument: While Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing KVN Productions, argued that 5,000 theaters were booked and “films are perishable commodities,” the bench maintained that they would not interfere with the High Court’s scheduled proceedings.

The ‘Jana Nayagan’ Controversy Explained

The deadlock stems from a sudden U-turn by the CBFC just days before the film’s planned January 9 Pongal release.

1. Initial Clearance: The Examining Committee had originally recommended a U/A certificate after the makers agreed to specific cuts.
2. The “Volte-Face”: On January 5, a member of the same committee filed a complaint, alleging the film hurts religious sentiments and misrepresents the armed forces. The CBFC Chairperson subsequently referred the film to a Revising Committee.
3. High Court Tussle: Justice PT Asha of the Madras HC initially quashed the re-review order, calling the board’s flip-flop “dangerous.” However, hours later, a Division Bench stayed her order, effectively halting the release.

Impact on Release and Industry

The delay has had significant financial and political repercussions:

• Financial Loss: Reports suggest the last-minute postponement has already caused losses of nearly ₹50 crore, with over 2 lakh advance tickets sold across India and overseas.
• Political Undertone: Given that Jana Nayagan is marketed as Vijay’s final film before his full-time entry into politics, many supporters and political figures, including TN CM MK Stalin, have slammed the CBFC’s delay as “politically motivated.”

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