Jana Nayagan Hearing Live Updates: No clarity on Vijay-starrer’s release as Madras HC refers case back to single judge

Amid the ongoing controversy, fans of ‘Thalapathy’ Vijay are worried about whether the movie will get a green signal from the court and, subsequently, from the CBFC before the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections is put in place. Once the poll code comes into force, Jana Nayagan might face further delay, as the movie reportedly carries several political references.

Nonetheless, as the division bench of the Madras High Court has asked the single judge to decide the matter expeditiously, and since the polls aren’t expected until April-May, it may very well receive court relief soon, paving the way for its release. But that’s not the only issue plaguing the makers of the political action drama. Read more to find out what Jana Nayagan has at stake now

Expressing vexation over the indefinite delay in the release of director H Vinoth’s Vijay-starrer Jana Nayagan, one netizen wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Trying to stop Jana Nayagan is like stopping an erupting volcano. To those thinking they can block it: you aren’t a barricade, you are just the first thing that will burn. When the movie hits theatres, we don’t just celebrate… we dominate.”

The Madras HC has set aside the order for a U/A certificate for Vijay’s Jana Nayagan and sent the matter back for fresh consideration. The single judge must now decide if CBFC’s move to refer the movie to the revising committee is correct. Meanwhile, fans are worried about the film’s release before the TN elections. KVN Productions is in dire straits owing to Rs 500 crore investment in the movie. Read more

Opining that the delay in Jana Nayagan’s release might affect the election prospects of “Thalapathy” Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), a netizen stated that both the leader and the party had pinned their hopes on the movie to indirectly lead its poll campaign and promote its political aspirations and messages. The netizen suggested that Vijay may need to rethink his strategies now.

He wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Actor Vijay and his TVK might have depended a lot on Jana Nayagan’s release, as a campaign for his party. In that sense, as of now, they might have to revise the tactic and strategy. Hope for the release before polls recede?”

During the hearing on January 20, senior counsel Satish Parasaran, appearing for the movie’s makers, told the division bench of the Madras High Court that the producer had spent Rs 500 crore on Jana Nayagan.

Extending support to the superstar, one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Thalapathy can face any kind of obstacles if we are with him. We know exactly what is going on for Thalapathy. So, when the time comes, we as people should show our power and make politicians realise nobody can bring down Thalapathy.”

Expressing dissatisfaction with the inordinate delay in Jana Nayagan’s release, one netizen wondered whether the movie would hit the screens before the upcoming Tamil Nadu state assembly elections. “Would there be any chance of #jananayagan releasing before the election dates are announced? Chances look dim though,” he noted on X (formerly Twitter).

While pronouncing its verdict in an appeal filed by the CBFC challenging a single-judge order directing it to give a U/A 16+ certificate to the movie, a division bench of the Madras High Court noted that the appellant should have given an opportunity to the CBFC. While setting aside the January 9 order of the single judge, the division bench, however, sent the matter back to the single judge, “considering natural justice.”

Pointing out that the single judge (Justice PT Asha) should not have gone into merits of the case without granting a proper opportunity to the CBFC, and in absence of the prayer challenging the board chairperson’s order, a division bench of the High Court, comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan, reportedly asked the single judge to decide the matter expeditiously after granting proper opportunity. The HC has also asked the makers of the movie to amend its prayer before the writ court and challenge the chairperson’s order as well.

A division bench of the Madras High Court, comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan, has assembled to pronounce the verdict in the Jana Nayagan case.

A day before the Madras High Court was scheduled to deliver its verdict in the Jana Nayagan case, noted director Lokesh Kanagaraj, confirmed his involvement in “Thalapathy” Vijay’s swansong. “H Vinoth anna and Vijay anna called me and asked me to do it. I have done a cameo, that is all I can say for now,” news agency PTI quoted Lokesh as saying during a press conference. Known for helming blockbuster movies like Leo, Vikram, and Kaithi, Lokesh’s most recent directorial venture was the Rajinikanth-starrer Coolie.

Dear readers,

Welcome to SCREEN! After being stuck in court for three weeks, director H Vinoth’s Vijay-starrer Jana Nayagan is finally set to get clarity on its highly anticipated release date, as the Madras High Court will pronounce its verdict in the case on Tuesday, January 27.

Although a division bench of the High Court, comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan, heard the matter in detail last Tuesday, January 20, it abstained from pronouncing a verdict immediately. It is likely that the Madras High Court will settle the matter completely on Tuesday and deliver a definitive verdict.

Stay tuned as we bring you the latest updates regarding the case hearing.