Vijay’s Final Film ‘Jana Nayagan’ Postponed Amid High-Stakes Legal Battle and Certification Crisis

Vijay’s Final Film ‘Jana Nayagan’ Postponed Amid High-Stakes Legal Battle and Certification Crisis

Adding to the film’s turbulent path to the screen, a technical debate recently emerged regarding the use of AI in the production.

By Rakesh Raman
New Delhi | January 8, 2026

CHENNAI — The highly anticipated release of the political action thriller Jana Nayagan, starring actor Vijay in his final cinematic role before entering full-time politics, has been officially postponed. Originally slated for a massive global rollout on January 9, 2026, the film’s producers, KVN Productions, announced that the release is delayed due to “unavoidable circumstances beyond [their] control”.

A Certification Standoff

The delay stems from a sudden halt in the film’s certification process. Although an initial committee had recommended a U/A 16+ certificate in December 2025, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) abruptly referred the movie to a Revising Committee on January 5. This move followed an anonymous complaint regarding the film’s depiction of the armed forces and religious sentiments.

In response, KVN Productions petitioned the Madras High Court, labeling the CBFC’s actions as “arbitrary”. Justice P.T. Asha has since questioned the grounds for stalling the release based on a complaint from a member of the public who has not yet seen the film, demanding the CBFC produce the original documentation of the grievance.

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Political and Economic Stakes

The controversy has taken on a heavy political tone. Members of Vijay’s new political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), allege that the certification delay is politically motivated. They cite Vijay’s recent public criticisms of the DMK and BJP as the potential reason for the sudden administrative hurdles. Critics have also pointed out perceived double standards, noting that other productions favoring “Dravidian ideology” have received swifter clearances.

The financial implications of this delay are immense:

• Production Budget: Estimated between ₹300 crore and ₹500 crore.
• Global Reach: The film was prepared for a 5,000-screen rollout across the world.
• Advance Sales: Overseas interest has been record-breaking, with over $888,000 in total advance bookings, including 31,000 tickets sold in the UK alone.

Technical Controversies

Adding to the film’s turbulent path to the screen, a technical debate recently emerged regarding the use of AI in the production. Fans identified a Google Gemini AI watermark in the trailer, sparking discussions about “Cinema 4.0” and the standards of modern filmmaking.

Current Status

While the Madras High Court suggested a one-day delay to January 10, the producers initially opposed this due to extensive international commitments. However, as of January 7, KVN Productions issued a formal statement to stakeholders and audiences confirming that a new release date will be announced at the earliest.

The situation is like a massive ocean liner that has already cleared 25 international ports but is being held at the entrance of its home harbor by a last-minute, anonymous signal. While the crew argues they have followed every protocol, the harbor masters insist on a full re-inspection of the cargo before allowing the ship to dock for its grand arrival.