Vijay’s Jana Nayagan Delayed by CBFC Amid Political Clashes Ahead of Pongal Release
Chennai, 7 January 2026 – Actor Vijay’s upcoming film Jana Nayagan, slated as his final cinematic appearance before entering politics, is facing certification hurdles from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), just days before its worldwide release on 9 January 2026. The delay has sparked speculation of political interference, as the film coincides with Pongal and the lead-up to Tamil Nadu’s 2026 Assembly elections.
CBFC Certification Challenges
Jana Nayagan, directed by H. Vinoth and produced by KVN Productions, has not yet received its final censor certificate despite being scheduled for release on Pongal. Producers have approached the Madras High Court, challenging the CBFC’s decision to refer the film to a revising committee. The court has directed the CBFC to respond by 8 January 2026. Similarly, Sivakarthikeyan’s Parasakthi, distributed by Red Giant Movies owned by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, is also awaiting clearance, with its release date advanced to 10 January 2026.
The films, both boasting budgets exceeding £75 million, are seen as extensions of their respective political ideologies. Jana Nayagan, starring Vijay alongside Pooja Hegde and Bobby Deol, is positioned as a vehicle promoting Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, while Parasakthi addresses themes close to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), such as language struggles.
Political Context and Election Implications
In Tamil Nadu, where cinema and politics intertwine, the Pongal releases are viewed as a referendum on the 2026 Assembly elections. Vijay, who announced his political entry in February 2024, has called Jana Nayagan his swansong, with the film reflecting his anti-corruption stance. Meanwhile, Parasakthi, a remake of the 1952 classic starring Sivaji Ganesan, is backed by the DMK leadership, including Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
The CBFC delays have fuelled allegations of political sabotage, with fans accusing both sides of leveraging influence to dominate the box office. Theatre allocations are balanced, with Jana Nayagan expected on 500-600 screens and Parasakthi on 400-450 out of 1,200 total.
Key Facts and Stats
| Film | Release Date | Budget (Approx.) | Political Affiliation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jana Nayagan | 9 January 2026 | £125 million | TVK (Vijay) |
| Parasakthi | 10 January 2026 | £75 million | DMK (Udhayanidhi Stalin) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Jana Nayagan delayed by the CBFC?
The CBFC has referred the film to a revising committee, prompting producers to seek court intervention. Speculation points to political motivations, given the film’s alignment with Vijay’s TVK party ahead of elections.
What is the significance of the Pongal clash?
Pongal is a major festival in Tamil Nadu, and the back-to-back releases of Jana Nayagan and Parasakthi are seen as a proxy for the political battle between TVK and DMK, potentially influencing voter sentiment.
Is Vijay retiring from cinema after Jana Nayagan?
Yes, Vijay has stated that Jana Nayagan will be his 69th and final film as a lead actor, marking his full transition to politics with TVK.