Jana Nayagan Producer Challenges High Court Stay on CBFC Clearance
Jana Nayagan has entered a crucial legal phase after the producer approached the Supreme Court against an interim order passed by the Madras High Court. The dispute relates to the certification of the Tamil film starring actor Vijay, which remains pending following conflicting decisions within the High Court. The move marks a significant development in the film’s release journey.
The producer, KVN Productions LLP, filed a Special Leave Petition challenging the order of a division bench of the Madras High Court that stayed an earlier direction issued by a single judge. The single bench had instructed the Central Board of Film Certification to grant certification for the film immediately. However, the division bench suspended that direction and scheduled further hearings.
The matter began after Jana Nayagan was submitted for certification in December 2025. The CBFC initially suggested certain modifications to the film. The producers accepted these changes and submitted a revised version on December 24, 2025. Soon after, the CBFC’s regional office in Chennai informed the producers that the revised version would be certified.
According to the producers, they were unable to complete the final upload process due to technical issues on the certification portal. They informed the CBFC about these problems. Despite this, on January 5, 2026, the producers received a communication stating that the CBFC Chairperson had decided to refer Jana Nayagan to a Revising Committee under Rule 24 of the certification rules.
Jana Nayagan Court Orders Highlight Certification Process Gaps
The referral to the Revising Committee was reportedly based on a complaint concerning the film’s content. The complaint raised concerns related to religious sentiments and the portrayal of armed forces. Notably, the complaint was filed by a member of the Examining Committee who had earlier cleared the film.
The Chairperson’s decision to refer the film for further review was formally uploaded on January 6. On the same day, the producer approached the Madras High Court. A single bench heard the matter and ruled in favor of the producer, directing the CBFC to issue the certificate without delay.
The single bench observed that once the Examining Committee had reviewed the film and recommended certification, a later complaint by one of its own members could not be sustained. The court stated that allowing such reversals would weaken the credibility of the certification process and undermine the authority of the Examining Committee.
However, the CBFC quickly filed an appeal before a division bench of the High Court. The division bench heard the appeal urgently and stayed the single bench’s direction on the same day. The bench observed that the CBFC was not given sufficient time to present its response before the earlier order was passed.
The division bench also noted that the producers had not directly challenged the Chairperson’s January 6 decision in their writ petition. During the hearing, the bench questioned the producers for announcing a release date before securing final CBFC clearance. The court remarked that such announcements placed unnecessary pressure on the judiciary to issue urgent orders.
The matter has now been adjourned for further hearing before the High Court, while the producer has chosen to approach the Supreme Court seeking relief from the stay order.
Jana Nayagan Case Raises Larger Certification Concerns
The Jana Nayagan case has drawn attention to procedural delays and internal disagreements within the certification process. It highlights how technical issues, complaints, and administrative decisions can significantly affect a film’s release timeline.
For filmmakers, the situation underlines the importance of final certification before announcing release dates. For the CBFC, the case raises questions about clarity in decision-making after initial approvals are granted.
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The Supreme Court’s response to the producer’s petition is expected to play a key role in determining the immediate future of Jana Nayagan and may also influence how similar certification disputes are handled. Also Read: Park Min Young and BTOB Lead a Grounded Romance in “Nine to Six”
Conclusion:
The Jana Nayagan certification dispute has moved to the Supreme Court, marking a critical moment for the film and raising broader concerns about the CBFC review process. The final outcome will shape both the film’s release and future certification practices.
