Censor row pushes release beyond April 30; refunds announced
February 15, 2026: Vijay’s much-awaited film Jana Nayagan has been postponed indefinitely, with distributors confirming it will not release before April 30. The announcement, shared by York Cinemas, urged audiences to claim refunds for pending bookings and assured loyal members priority access once a new release date is finalised. The film, reportedly a remake of the 2023 Telugu hit Bhagavanth Kesari, was earlier expected to hit theatres this year.
The delay comes amid an ongoing dispute over certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Though producers KVN Productions submitted the film for certification in December 2025 and reportedly agreed to suggested changes, the censor certificate has not yet been issued. The matter reached the Madras High Court, where a division bench set aside an earlier directive asking the CBFC to certify the film, sending the case back for further consideration.
In February, the High Court allowed the producers to withdraw their petition seeking immediate certification, clearing the way for the revising committee to examine the film. Originally slated for October 2025 and later pushed to January, Jana Nayagan — expected to be Vijay’s final film before entering full-time politics — now remains without a confirmed release date as both the production house and the CBFC maintain silence on the issue.