New Delhi: In a surprising twist to the ongoing censor battle for Thalapathy Vijay’s much-awaited film Jana Nayagan, the producers have moved to drop their legal fight against the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
What started as a heated row over delays and complaints has now seen KVN Productions file a plea to withdraw the writ petition from the Madras High Court. Fans, who have waited patiently amid multiple court hearings, now wonder if this clears the path for the film’s release.
Background of Jana Nayagan controversy
The trouble began in December 2025 when the CBFC screened Jana Nayagan on December 19 but delayed certification, sparking outrage from Vijay’s party, Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). TVK alleged a “deliberate delay” by the censor board ahead of the planned Pongal release on January 9, 2026.
A key issue was a complaint from a committee member who claimed his objections—over references to the Indian Army without a defence expert on the panel—were ignored, violating the Cinematograph Act. This led producers to approach the Madras High Court, which initially ordered a “UA” certificate but later quashed it, sending the case back for review.
Court battles and setbacks
The makers escalated to the Supreme Court, but it rejected their plea, calling it a “false sense of urgency” and directing them back to the Madras High Court for an expedited hearing by January 20. Amid growing frustration over time-consuming processes and financial losses—like refunds to distributors, including Kerala’s—the producers decided to pivot.
Producer Venkat, said to be “devastated” by the delays and distributor refunds, chose this route to avoid further hold-ups.
Latest development
On February 9, 2026, KVN Productions submitted a letter to the Madras High Court Registry to withdraw the writ petition against the CBFC. “The producer of Jana Nayagan has given a letter to the Madras High Court Registry for withdrawing a writ petition filed against CBFC,” stated the report by Anurag Bohra.
This move comes amid the row, with the team likely heading to the CBFC’s Revising Committee next, a process that could take another month. Earlier reports noted plans to inform the single judge of withdrawal at the next hearing.
What’s next for the film
Jana Nayagan, Vijay’s final film before full-time politics, remains uncertified, keeping release plans uncertain. Fans hope the Revising Committee clears cuts swiftly. The saga highlights certification hurdles for big Tamil releases.