ThePrint ThePrintPod: Why Madras HC paused the release of Vijay-starrer Jana Nayagan
Jan 27, 2026
A legal deep dive into why a high court stayed the release of a big-budget political film. The discussion follows the censorship board's certification, referrals and court challenges. Key courtroom moves and procedural questions about natural justice are examined. The film's release status and further legal hurdles are highlighted.
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Court Cites Natural Justice Violation
- The Madras HC paused release because the revisiting of certification violated natural justice by not giving CBFC time to respond.
- This sent the case back for fresh hearing, prolonging the film's release despite prior certification.
Initial Certification Then Sudden Referral
- The CBFC chairperson originally granted a UA certificate in December with certain cuts and allowed producers to seek revision if aggrieved.
- Producers complied with cuts, submitted the censored film, and still faced a surprise referral back to the revising committee in January.
Complaints Trigger Critical Referral
- On January 5 the CBFC referred the film to the revising committee citing complaints about portrayal of defence forces and hurting religious sentiments.
- That referral prompted immediate legal challenges and court interventions, disrupting the planned Pongal release.