Thalapathy Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' Faces Saudi Arabia Ban & CBFC Delay Days Before Release

Tamil Superstar Thalapathy Vijay's Final Film 'Jana Nayagan' Faces Dual Controversy Ahead of Release

Tamil cinema superstar Thalapathy Vijay's highly anticipated political action thriller 'Jana Nayagan,' set for a Pongal release on January 9, 2026, is embroiled in controversy just days before its worldwide rollout. The film is reportedly facing a potential ban in Saudi Arabia and an unexpected delay in CBFC certification in India.

Potential Ban in Saudi Arabia

Unconfirmed reports suggest that 'Jana Nayagan' has not received clearance for release in Saudi Arabia, a key market for South Indian films. Industry insiders indicate that Saudi authorities may require edits or "muting" of certain sequences before granting certification. This could impact the film's overseas revenue, crucial for recouping its reported budget of several hundred crores. Conflicting information persists, with no official confirmation from Saudi film authorities or the production team.

Domestic Certification Delays

In India, the film is facing an unusual delay from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Despite submitting the film weeks ago and making recommended adjustments, the final U/A certificate is still pending. Industry sources report that the CBFC has recommended only minor cuts, but the revised version has not yet been certified. Speculation about politically motivated delays has surfaced, though no official evidence supports these claims.

Legal Action: Producers Approach Madras High Court

Faced with uncertainty, the film's producers have taken the unprecedented step of approaching the Madras High Court, seeking urgent judicial intervention to expedite the censor certificate. Legal filings argue that the CBFC's referral to a Revising Committee is inconsistent with standard practice, especially after the producers complied with editing requests. The court's decision could determine whether the film meets its scheduled January 9 release date.

Significance of 'Jana Nayagan'

For Vijay, 'Jana Nayagan' marks his final film before transitioning full-time into politics, as announced during the film's promotions. The story follows a former police officer navigating personal and political turmoil amid a national threat, blending high-octane action with political drama. With strong advance bookings and high fan expectations, any delay or ban could significantly impact the film's commercial performance and reception.

Looking Ahead

As the release date approaches, the industry and fans are closely watching developments regarding CBFC clearance and Saudi Arabian distribution. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether Vijay's cinematic farewell proceeds as planned or faces postponement, adding another layer of drama to this already highly anticipated release.