Chennai, India — January 6, 2026
Thalapathy Vijay’s much-anticipated film ‘Jana Nayagan’, widely believed to be the actor’s final movie before his full-time political entry, has run into major hurdles just days before its scheduled January 9 release. A delay in certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and reports of a possible ban in Saudi Arabia have pushed the film into legal and commercial uncertainty.
According to industry sources, the producers of Jana Nayagan have approached the Madras High Court seeking urgent relief after the CBFC failed to issue a censor certificate in time, jeopardizing the film’s nationwide release plan.
CBFC Delay and High Court Intervention
The film was submitted to the CBFC on December 18, 2025, following which the Examining Committee suggested minor modifications, including muting certain dialogues. The makers complied and resubmitted the revised version on December 24.
However, in a last-minute development on January 5, the CBFC informed the producers that the film would be referred to a Revising Committee, citing complaints related to alleged religious sensitivity and the portrayal of armed forces.
Alarmed by the delay, KVN Productions moved the Madras High Court. During the January 6 hearing, the court directed the CBFC to submit copies of the complaints and scheduled the next hearing for January 7. The bench also questioned whether the release date could be deferred from January 9 to January 10, depending on certification timelines.
Advance Bookings Cross ₹35 Crore
Despite the uncertainty, Jana Nayagan has shown strong box-office traction. Limited advance bookings—primarily overseas and in select Indian states like Karnataka and Kerala—have already crossed ₹35 crore, according to trade estimates.
In metro cities such as Mumbai, early morning shows reportedly sold tickets priced as high as ₹2,000, highlighting Vijay’s massive fan following. Full-scale advance bookings in Tamil Nadu remain on hold pending CBFC clearance.
Saudi Arabia Ban Reports Add to Concerns
Adding to the challenges, reports suggest that Jana Nayagan may face a ban in Saudi Arabia, although no official confirmation has been issued. Industry insiders indicate that the film’s political themes or high-impact action sequences could be the reason for the reported denial of clearance.
The GCC market is a significant overseas revenue contributor for Vijay’s films, making this development a potential financial setback if confirmed.
Release Hinges on January 7 Verdict
As things stand, the fate of Jana Nayagan’s January 9 theatrical release will largely depend on the Madras High Court’s hearing scheduled for January 7, 2026. Until then, both exhibitors and fans remain on edge.
