Congress leaders were among the first to issue statements in support of the film, lending weight to speculation about possible alliance talks between the Congress and the TVK.
Published Jan 09, 2026 | 11:22 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 09, 2026 | 11:22 PM
Vijay in 'Jananayagan'.
Synopsis: The CBFC’s delay in certifying actor-politician Vijay’s final film Jana Nayagan has triggered sharp reactions across the political spectrum in Tamil Nadu, with the Congress, the DMK and others accusing the BJP-led Union government of deliberately engineering the delay, even as Vijay and the TVK have remained publicly silent.
Jana Nayagan, actor-turned-politician Vijay’s final film, was slated for release on Friday, 9 January, but was pushed back after it failed to secure censor certification in time.
The film, widely viewed as a campaign vehicle for Vijay and his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), ahead of the fast-approaching Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, had initially received approval for a U/A 16+ certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) after the recommended cuts were made. Despite this, the certification was not issued in time.
On Friday morning, a single-judge Bench of the Madras High Court heard a petition filed by the producers and directed that the film be granted a U/A certificate.
Challenging this order, the CBFC filed an appeal before a Bench headed by Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava. Later the same afternoon, the Chief Justice granted an interim stay on the single judge’s order and adjourned the matter to 21 January, effectively ruling out the film’s release in time for Sankranti.
The delay has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders across the State. Notably, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, often a central target of Vijay’s political attacks, condemned the BJP-led Union government, suggesting that the delay was deliberate.
“In the line of the CBI, ED and IT, the Censor Board too has now become a new weapon of the Union BJP government. Strong condemnation!” he wrote in a post on X.
Curiously, neither Vijay nor the TVK has commented on the issue so far.
Starring Vijay, Pooja Hegde and Bobby Deol, and directed by H Vinoth, expectations for Jana Nayagan were exceptionally high. Advance bookings had even begun in several theatres before the film received its censor certificate.
The film was submitted to the CBFC in December 2025. The examining committee recommended 27 cuts, citing concerns over violence, communal references and other issues, and asked the makers to resubmit the film for certification. The producers complied promptly. Despite this, the CBFC sent the film for further review, forcing its postponement.
Even after these steps, the film did not receive certification until 6 January. Following the delay, the Jana Nayagan team and the production house approached the Madras High Court on the same day.
During the hearing, the filmmakers argued that despite fully implementing the cuts and modifications suggested by the CBFC, subjecting the film to re-censorship was unjustified.
They pointed out that over ₹500 crore had been invested in the project and that the release date had already been officially announced. On this basis, they sought the immediate issuance of the censor certificate.
When the court sought an explanation from the CBFC, it was informed that complaints had been received alleging that certain scenes hurt religious sentiments and portrayed the military in a derogatory manner. Acting on these complaints, the CBFC chairman ordered a re-evaluation of the film.
Subsequently, on 9 January at around 11 am, Judge PT Asha directed the CBFC to immediately issue the certificate.
However, the CBFC swiftly filed an appeal against the order. Hearing the appeal, Madras High Court Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava granted an interim stay on the single judge’s directive and adjourned the case.
Even as Vijay and the TVK remained silent on the issue, Congress leaders were among the first to issue statements in support of Jana Nayagan.
Notably, the party’s Tamil Nadu-in-charge, Girish Chodankar, criticised the Union government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing them of misuse of power.
“The controversy surrounding actor Vijay’s film Jana Nayagan has sparked concerns about the misuse of political power. While political disagreements are understandable, targeting an artist’s work is unacceptable. The people of Tamil Nadu will not tolerate censorship of cinema for political gains,” he wrote in a post on X, addressing Modi.
“We urge you to ensure that art and entertainment are not used as pawns in political battles. Vijay’s film is facing delays due to your pressure on authorities, which is unfair to the producers and fans. Let’s keep politics out of art and respect creative freedom. Modi Ji, prove your 56-inch chest claim by taking on POLITICIAN Vijay, not ACTOR Vijay.”
At a time when political circles are rife with speculation about possible alliance talks between the Congress and the TVK, Chodankar’s post quickly went viral.
Several other Congress leaders and MPs also came out in support of Vijay and Jana Nayagan. This was followed by a post from Chief Minister MK Stalin, while multiple leaders from the INDIA alliance alleged that the delay was part of a planned conspiracy by the BJP.
Prominent actors, leading directors and various political figures have likewise voiced their support for the film.
However, as criticism of the BJP government mounted nationwide over the delay in issuing the censor certificate, CPI(M) Tamil Nadu State Secretary P Shanmugam turned his focus on Vijay’s silence.
“Out of fear that criticising the Censor Board for dragging its feet without issuing a certificate might be seen as criticising the BJP-led Central government, the so-called ‘Jana Nayagan’ himself remains silent, even as the film’s release is delayed. What will happen if everyone else keeps crying out?” he said.
While the DMK and its alliance partners, whom Vijay fiercely opposes politically, have openly criticised the delay, questions are now being raised over why Vijay himself has yet to issue even a brief statement on the matter.
On social media, opinion remains divided. One section of Vijay’s fans claims the delay is part of a deliberate conspiracy, while another alleges that the controversy is merely a publicity stunt for the film.
Amid the barrage of criticism, the Tamil Nadu unit of the BJP maintained that the issue was strictly a matter between the CBFC and the film’s producers.
“As far as the Jana Nayagan film controversy is concerned, if there are scenes that violate norms, it is routine for the Censor Board to ask for corrections. If there are scenes related to the military, there is a rule that permission must be obtained from the Home Ministry,” BJP leader H Raja told reporters.
“Once the mistakes pointed out by the Censor Board are corrected and the film is resubmitted, it will receive its certificate. There is absolutely no connection between the BJP and the censor certificate issue of Jana Nayagan. There is no problem between the BJP and Vijay.”
Meanwhile, Former Telangana Governor and BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan claimed that “the biggest ‘Jana Nayagan’, respected by the entire world, is our Prime Minister Narendra Modi”.
“The most honourable democrat, who functions according to democratic principles, is also our Prime Minister,” she said.
“But Congress leaders are misleading the people by blaming the Central government and the Prime Minister for the delay in issuing the censor certificate to Jana Nayagan.”
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
