Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay’s much-awaited film Jana Nayagan has moved a step closer to its theatrical release after receiving an A certificate, subject to certain cuts, from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), according to sources. The certification marks a significant milestone for the film, which has faced an unusually prolonged censor process and legal hurdles over the past several months.

Sources told NDTV that the CBFC granted the film an A certificate on Wednesday, with the detailed edit list expected to be uploaded on the board’s website either later this week or early next week. The final censor certificate is also likely to be issued next week, clearing the way for the makers to officially announce the release date.

The production team is reportedly considering July 24 or July 31 for the film’s theatrical release.

Film inches closer to theatrical release

The latest development comes after months of uncertainty surrounding the certification of Jana Nayagan. Earlier this year, sources had indicated that the film was likely to receive its censor certificate after completing the review process before the CBFC’s Revising Committee.

Back in May, sources had confirmed that the Revising Committee had cleared the film, paving the way for its eventual certification. However, the makers continued to await the formal issuance of the certificate before announcing a release schedule.

With the certification process now nearing completion, the producers are expected to finalise the release plans soon.

The film has generated exceptional interest as it marks the first release featuring Vijay after he assumed office as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, making it one of the most anticipated Tamil films in recent years.

Why was the certification delayed?

The censor journey of Jana Nayagan has been far from straightforward.

The film initially underwent examination by the CBFC’s Examining Committee in December 2025. According to the producers, the committee suggested a few cuts, which were implemented by the filmmakers. Following these modifications, the film was expected to receive a U/A 16+ certificate ahead of its planned release on January 9, 2026.

However, before the certificate could be issued, one member of the Examining Committee reportedly raised objections to certain scenes and wrote to CBFC Chairperson Prasoon Joshi seeking a fresh review.

The complaint prompted the CBFC to refer the film to its Revising Committee, effectively restarting the certification process.

The unexpected development delayed the film’s release by several months.

Makers approached the courts

The prolonged delay eventually led the filmmakers to seek legal intervention.

Director H. Vinoth approached the Madras High Court and later the Supreme Court, challenging the delay in issuing the censor certificate.

The producers argued that the film had already complied with the recommendations of the Examining Committee and questioned why certification was being withheld.

According to the production team, they were informed that a complaint had been received against the film despite it not having been released publicly.

Earlier, sources had also indicated that the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct contributed to delays in completing the certification process.

Following the Revising Committee’s review, the film has now reportedly received its final classification, subject to the required edits.

Producer explains the long wait

Earlier, KVN Productions founder and producer Venkat K. Narayana had spoken about the prolonged certification process and its impact on the release.

He said the production house had been patiently waiting for the CBFC’s approval before announcing a theatrical release.

The producer revealed that the film was originally expected to receive a U/A 16+ certification after the initial review. However, the process changed after objections were raised by a member of the Examining Committee itself.

According to Venkat, the filmmakers found the situation unusual because the objections came from someone who had initially participated in clearing the film.

He said the production subsequently followed the legal process and complied with every procedural requirement while awaiting the Revising Committee’s decision.

Vijay’s political journey adds new significance

Venkat K. Narayana also said Vijay’s transition from actor to Chief Minister had given Jana Nayagan an entirely new significance.

He revealed that many fans had requested the filmmakers to change Vijay’s title card in the film from “Thalapathy Vijay” to “Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.”

The producer said that when the film went into production, nobody had anticipated Vijay’s political rise before its release.

According to him, the delay may ultimately have worked in the film’s favour, allowing it to reach audiences after Vijay assumed the state’s highest political office.

Star cast and online leak

Directed by H. Vinoth and produced by KVN Productions, Jana Nayagan features Vijay in the lead role alongside Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol and Mamitha Baiju.

The film has also remained in the headlines after portions of it were reportedly leaked online ahead of its release. According to PTI, a freelance assistant editor and several others were arrested in connection with the alleged leak.

Despite these setbacks, the makers have continued preparations for the theatrical release while awaiting the final certification.

Conclusion

With the CBFC reportedly granting Jana Nayagan an A certificate subject to edits, the film appears set for release after months of legal and procedural delays. Once the final certificate is issued, the producers are expected to announce the official release date, with July 24 and July 31 emerging as the leading options. Given Vijay’s position as Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, the film is expected to attract significant attention across the country upon its release.