9 January 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : In a major development for Tamil cinema, the Madras High Court on Monday directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to forthwith grant a film certificate to actor Vijay’s much-awaited film Jana Nayagan. The order comes as a significant relief to the film’s makers, who had approached the court after facing delays in certification, threatening the movie’s planned release schedule.
The bench, while hearing the petition filed by the producers, observed that undue delays in certification without clear reasons could adversely affect the rights of filmmakers and exhibitors. Emphasising the importance of timely decision-making, the court instructed the CBFC to issue the certificate immediately, subject to compliance with applicable rules under the Cinematograph Act.
Jana Nayagan, starring Vijay in the lead role, has been one of the most talked-about Tamil films in recent times. The movie carries heightened public interest not just due to Vijay’s star power but also because it is being seen as one of his most politically charged films. With Vijay increasingly active in public life and having announced his political ambitions, the film has drawn intense scrutiny from various quarters.
According to the petitioners, the CBFC had completed the screening process but failed to issue the certificate within a reasonable time frame. The producers argued that the delay was causing financial strain, affecting promotional activities, theatrical bookings, and contractual obligations with distributors. They also contended that the lack of a formal decision amounted to an arbitrary exercise of power.
During the hearing, the CBFC reportedly cited procedural requirements and internal deliberations as reasons for the delay. However, the court was not convinced that such explanations justified withholding certification indefinitely. The bench noted that certification authorities are duty-bound to act within defined timelines, especially when a film has already undergone examination.
Legal experts say the ruling reinforces the principle that certification bodies cannot function in an opaque or open-ended manner. The court reiterated that while the CBFC has the authority to suggest cuts or modifications, it must communicate its decision clearly and promptly, ensuring that filmmakers are not left in limbo.
The verdict has been welcomed widely by the Tamil film industry. Several producers’ associations and directors have long complained about certification delays, particularly for films that touch upon social or political themes. Industry insiders believe the Jana Nayagan order could serve as a precedent, encouraging greater accountability and transparency in the certification process.
For Vijay’s fans, the court order has triggered celebrations across social media. Fan clubs hailed the judgment as a “victory for cinema and creative freedom,” with many expressing hope that the film would now hit theatres without further obstacles. The actor enjoys a massive following, and his films often open to record-breaking collections, making certification delays especially costly.
Sources close to the production say that with the legal hurdle cleared, the makers will now move swiftly to finalise the release date. Promotional campaigns, which had been slowed due to uncertainty over certification, are expected to resume at full pace. Trade analysts predict a strong opening, given the pent-up anticipation surrounding the film.
Jana Nayagan is believed to revolve around themes of governance, people’s power, and social justice, aligning closely with Vijay’s public image as a mass leader. While the filmmakers have maintained that the story is fictional, its narrative and messaging have attracted attention amid the current political climate in Tamil Nadu.
The Madras High Court’s directive also comes at a time when debates around artistic expression and censorship are intensifying nationwide. Filmmakers have increasingly turned to courts to seek redress against what they perceive as arbitrary or excessive interference by certification authorities. The ruling adds to a growing body of judicial decisions that stress the need to balance regulation with creative freedom.
Observers note that the court did not interfere with the CBFC’s statutory powers but merely ensured that those powers are exercised responsibly and within reasonable limits. By ordering immediate certification, the bench underscored that administrative delays cannot be used as an indirect form of censorship.
As Jana Nayagan prepares to move closer to release, all eyes will be on audience response and the broader cultural impact of the film. For now, the Madras High Court’s order has brought clarity and relief, reaffirming the judiciary’s role as a guardian of both creative rights and procedural fairness in India’s film ecosyste
Summary
The Madras High Court directed the CBFC to immediately certify Vijay’s Jana Nayagan, ending delays, clearing legal hurdles, and allowing the much-anticipated Tamil film to proceed toward release.