'Jana Nayagan' censor row: Madras HC fixes verdict date, Will Thalapathy Vijay’s film clear the hurdle?

The Madras High Court has reserved its verdict in the censor row of actor Vijay’s much-anticipated last film, ‘Jana Nayagan.’ A Division Bench of Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G. Arul Murugan, who heard the writ appeal filed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) of a single judge’s order to give U/A 16+ certification to the movie.

Additional Solicitor General A.R.L. Sundaresan appeared for the CBFC, while senior counsel Satish Parasaran, who was assisted by Vijayan Subramanian, was counsel for the two producers. The issue has been in the news due to the film’s political theme and as it is the last film starring Vijayanathan.

'Jana Nayagan' censor verdict likely on January 27

As per The Hindu, the Division Bench is likely to deliver its judgment on January 27, having completed and heard detailed arguments from both parties. The Bench was learning that having hearing sessions after having an extended number of sessions with the Supreme Court had set direction for early decisions.

Earlier, the Apex Court did not interfere with the High Court's interim stay: the latter had granted it on 9 Jan, with the former asking for an early disposal. More likely, the judgment dated 27 Jan would be for certification and release or not.

How the 'Jana Nayagan' censor controversy began

In early December 2025, the five-member CBFC examining committee unanimously proposed certifying U/A 16+ with cuts, and the producers carried out the cuts and reapplied for certification on December 24.

The committee was stuck with one of its members raising an objection that there was no army war specialist among the members of the CBFC. On January 5, CBCF chief Pahlaj Nihalani sent it to the nine-member revisions panel, and subsequently producers approached the High Court.

Single Judge’s order and appeal

On January 9, Justice P.T. Asha quashed the chairman’s decision and directed the CBFC to issue the U/A 16+ certificate. The judge observed that the committee’s recommendation had already been accepted by the producers and questioned the late objection raised by one of its members, terming it an afterthought.

The CBFC subsequently challenged this order before the Division Bench, leading to the current proceedings.

What happens if the verdict favors the 'Jana Nayagan' makers?

If the judgment goes in favor of the 'Jana Nayagan' makers, the CBFC cannot approach the Supreme Court with an appeal on the very same day. However, it can make a mention before the Supreme Court on Wednesday, seeking urgent listing of the matter.

background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: normal;Disclaimer: This report is based on current judicial filings and reports from legal correspondents. As the matter is in the court, all information regarding hearing dates and film certification is subject to change based on the court’s official orders. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or a guarantee of the film's release date.

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