The Supreme Court of India on January 15, 2026, declined to intervene in the ongoing certification dispute surrounding actor Vijay's highly anticipated film, 'Jana Nayagan'. The apex court directed KVN Productions LLP, the film's producer, to approach the Madras High Court for relief, further urging the High Court to "endeavor to decide the appeal" by January 20, 2026. This decision leaves the fate of 'Jana Nayagan', widely publicized as Vijay's final film before his full-time entry into politics, in continued uncertainty. The legal battle stems from delays in obtaining a censor certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film was initially submitted for certification in December 2025, and after agreeing to suggested cuts, the Examining Committee of the CBFC's Chennai Regional Office reportedly recommended a U/A 16+ certificate. However, on January 5, the CBFC Chairperson suo motu referred the film to a Revising Committee, citing an internal complaint that alleged certain content hurt religious sentiments and contained an objectionable portrayal of the armed forces. Challenging this referral and the subsequent delay, the producers moved the Madras High Court. A single-judge bench on January 9 initially directed the CBFC to issue the certificate, providing temporary relief. However, a division bench of the Madras High Court subsequently stayed this order, noting that the CBFC had not been given sufficient opportunity to present its case. This stay prompted KVN Productions to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court, seeking an urgent stay on the High Court's decision. During the Supreme Court hearing, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the producers, argued that films are a "perishable commodity" and that the delays had "ruined" the producer due to significant financial losses. However, the bench, comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih, questioned the "blistering pace" at which the single judge had directed certification and maintained that the Madras High Court's division bench should thoroughly consider the matter. The Supreme Court's refusal to interfere means the film's release hinges on the Madras High Court's decision expected by January 20.