'Jana Nayagan' censor row: CBFC’s letter to the producer LEAKED, board's change against Thalapathy Vijay's film raises question

As news regarding the postponement in granting Vijay’s recent film, ‘Jana Nayagan,’ directed by H Vinoth, its censor approval spread, the leak of a letter from a censor board official to the producer intensified the controversy. In the communication letter, it was mentioned that the CBFC had granted a U/A 16+ certificate after the examination committee viewing and that the film could now be shown to the public. The letter further stated that it was the responsibility of guardians and parents to prevent underage audiences from watching the film and that the makers were to carry out specific cuts and changes. The letter was dated December 22, 2025. The board’s communication emphasised that once these excisions were verified, the film would be sanctioned for public release, setting expectations for a smooth certification process.

CBFC's objection stalls 'Jana Nayagan' certification

Adhering to the directives given by the CBFC, the team is said to have agreed to and acted upon all modifications. However, the scenario took numerous turns when an objection was raised by one of the board members against granting the movie a U/A clearance, even after the changes were done. The dissenting within the censor board consequently implied a delay in the certification for the film and threw it into limbo. The aspects raised by the board were taken into consideration on issues that some scenes could actually create a disruption in the religious harmony, which is basically the reason behind the delay in clearance. With no resolution in sight, the producer K. Venkat Narayana, along with its legal team, moved the High Court, seeking judicial intervention to resolve the deadlock.

Public scrutiny and leaked letter

As a result, a long-standing legal battle has turned the ratings dispute into an issue of public outrage. As court litigation is taking place in the case of 'Jana Nayagan,' this should not be seen as one more film waiting for release clearance. It is a bigger manifestation of the historical conflict between filmmakers and the censor board. With the document leaks, people came to know that at the deliberation stage of the grading system of the CBFC, the film was suitable for U/A clearance, but it was blocked by an objection from within. The online dialogue increased because of internet users who came up with some weird ideas for banning the film when it was cleared at the examining stage.

Producer moves toward Revising Committee

In a strange twist, the producer is believed to opt out of the legal battle and, as the committee board had recommended, possibly approach the Revising Committee. Rather than resorting to the judiciary, they may take the administrative specter. In another twist of the knife, the leak has generated a horrible feeling among the people, particularly diluting the importance of the Vijay supporters, who see the delay affecting the arrival of their favorite star in his last flick before making a complete foray into politics.

font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: normal; color: #0e101a;Disclaimer: This report is based on current judicial filings and reports from legal correspondents. As the matter is sub judice before the Supreme Court of India, all information regarding hearing dates and film certification is subject to change based on the court’s official orders. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or a guarantee of the film's release date.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”