“Jana Nayakan” Release Hit by Supreme Court Setback; Thalapathy Vijay Now Looks to Madras High Court

The Supreme Court of India has refused to entertain the petition concerning the release of Jana Nayakan, delivering a major setback to the film’s makers and lead actor Thalapathy Vijay. The matter now rests with the Madras High Court, which is scheduled to hear the case on 20 January. The apex court directed the film’s producers to seek relief from the High Court instead.

On Thursday, a bench comprising Justice Deepankar Dutta and Justice Augustine George Masih dismissed the petition filed by the producers, which sought clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The Supreme Court noted that the case is already pending before the Madras High Court’s Division Bench, which will hear it on 20 January. The court suggested that the bench may attempt to deliver a verdict on the same day.

Producers Represented by Mukul Rohatgi

The petition was filed by KVN Productions LLP challenging an order from the Madras High Court Single Bench that had stayed the CBFC’s directive to immediately certify the film. Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the producers, argued that announcing a release date before obtaining certification is a longstanding industry practice, and noted that over 5,000 theaters had been booked for the release.

Justice Dutta, while addressing Rohatgi’s arguments, remarked on the Single Bench’s rapid decision-making and suggested that such speed should not be expected in all cases. “The case was filed on the 6th and decided by the 7th… now it is listed before the Division Bench on the 20th, where the appeal can be considered,” he observed.

Court Highlights CBFC Process

The bench also noted that the CBFC Chairperson had sent the film to a Revising Committee on 6 January, and this action had not been challenged. Rohatgi contended that the CBFC’s entire handling of the matter was in bad faith, claiming that delays in certification could negatively impact the film’s release. Justice Dutta, however, emphasized that such matters should be addressed by the Division Bench.

The Supreme Court made it clear that it had no intention of intervening at this stage. The special leave petition was dismissed, with the court stating that the High Court Division Bench could attempt to decide the appeal on 20 January.

Background: From Initial Clearance to Sudden Halt

Jana Nayakan, Thalapathy Vijay’s much-anticipated final film before entering politics with his party TVK, was originally slated for a Pongal release on 9 January. However, the release was postponed when the CBFC Chairperson referred the film to the Revising Committee on 6 January, despite the Chennai regional office having initially cleared it for a U/A 16+ certificate with minor cuts.

The film was submitted for certification in December 2025. Following suggested changes by the CBFC, a revised version was resubmitted on 24 December. The Chennai regional office indicated on 29 December that the revised film would be certified. Due to technical issues with the portal, the producers could not complete the final uploading process, which was communicated to the CBFC.

On 5 January, the producers received a communication stating that the CBFC Chairperson, under Rule 24, had sent the film to the Revising Committee after receiving a complaint alleging that certain scenes could hurt religious sentiments and misrepresented the armed forces. Interestingly, the complaint came from a member of the Examining Committee who had initially cleared the film.

On 9 January, the Madras High Court Single Bench led by Justice P.T. Asha initially granted relief to the producers, ordering the CBFC to immediately issue the certificate. However, the Division Bench stayed this order the same day, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the film’s release.