Twist in ‘Jan Nayakan’ Release Case: Madras HC Approves Makers’ Withdrawal of CBFC Challenge

The makers of Jan Nayakan, KVN Productions, have withdrawn their legal challenge against the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), and the Madras High Court on Tuesday approved the move. The production house has stated that it now wishes to proceed through the CBFC’s review committee process.

Background: Legal Hurdles and Delays
Jan Nayakan, actor Thalapathy Vijay’s last film before his official entry into politics, faced delays in obtaining CBFC certification, which postponed its release. Originally scheduled for 9 January 2026, the film was caught in a legal tussle after the CBFC did not issue a certificate despite the producers complying with 27 suggested cuts and edits.

KVN Productions had applied for certification on 18 December 2025. While the examining committee approved the suggested changes for a UA certificate, the CBFC chairperson later sent the film to the revising committee following a complaint about certain scenes allegedly hurting religious sentiments and misrepresenting the armed forces.

High Court Proceedings
Earlier, a single-judge bench of the Madras High Court had directed the CBFC to certify the film immediately. However, the CBFC challenged this order before a division bench, which stayed the single-judge ruling and later annulled it, citing procedural lapses and the need to give the board a fair opportunity to present its case. The division bench returned the matter to the single-judge bench for a fresh hearing.

KVN Productions then sought permission to withdraw its case, stating it now preferred to follow the review process. Justice P.T. Asha accepted the request on 10 February, allowing the production house to pursue the matter through CBFC’s revising committee.

Political Controversy
The delayed release of Jan Nayakan sparked political debate, with opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, criticizing the BJP government for alleged interference. Actor Vijay, in an interview with NDTV, commented, “I feel bad for the producer because the film is not being released. Being in politics, I suspected films might be targeted.”

With the High Court’s approval of the withdrawal, hopes are rising that the roadblocks to Jan Nayakan’s release may soon clear, paving the way for the film to reach audiences.