
Thalapathy Vijay’s film Jana Nayagan has faced issues with the Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The Madras High Court recently ruled in favour of CBFC in the CBFC vs KVN Production case. This means the film’s producers did not get the relief they hoped for regarding certification.
The problem began when the producers submitted the film for certification. Initially, the process was moving forward, but a last-minute anonymous complaint forced the CBFC to stop certification and ask for changes. During the hearing on January 20, 2026, the Additional Solicitor General (ASG) said the examining committee suggested 14 cuts. These were only preliminary recommendations, and the final certification decision is yet to be made by the proper authority.
The CBFC flagged three main concerns in the film:
Excessive violence – The board felt that the level of violence in the film was high, so they requested several cuts. The producers reportedly followed these suggestions.
Use of defense emblems – Some scenes showed possible use of defense emblems. The board said this could need official permission and submitted the issue for review by specialists to see if it breaks any rules.
Communal overtones – Certain scenes were considered sensitive because of community-related themes. The board suggested changes to avoid potential misunderstandings or offense.
The CBFC recommended giving Jana Nayagan an 'A' certificate (for adults only) because of violence, rather than a 'U/A' certificate (suitable for all, with parental guidance for children under 12). Earlier, a single judge had ruled in favour of the producers on January 9, but after the appeal, the court sided with the CBFC.
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The next step will depend on what the filmmakers decide to do after this ruling. The film’s certification process remains under review, and further actions will determine how and when Jana Nayagan will release publicly.
The row highlights the CBFC’s careful approach to issues like violence, use of official symbols, and sensitive community themes in films. Jana Nayagan’s makers now face the challenge of complying with CBFC guidelines while maintaining the essence of the movie.