On January 9, 2026, the Madras High Court witnessed a significant legal development concerning the certification of actor Vijay's much-anticipated film, 'Jana Nayagan'. A single judge, Justice P.T. Asha, initially ruled in favor of the film's producers, KVN Productions, directing the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to forthwith issue a U/A certificate for the movie. This order came after the producers argued against the CBFC's decision to refer the film to a Revising Committee, despite the Examining Committee having already recommended a U/A certificate with certain cuts, which the makers had complied with. Justice Asha critically observed that the CBFC Chairperson's action to refer the film for review was 'without jurisdiction' once the Examining Committee's decision was communicated to the producers. The court also highlighted the risk of a 'dangerous trend' if committee members were allowed to retract their recommendations, suggesting the complaint that triggered the review was an 'afterthought' and potentially 'motivated'. The complaint reportedly cited concerns over the portrayal of defence forces and religious sentiments, notably originating from an Examining Committee member himself. However, hours after the single judge's directive, the CBFC promptly filed an urgent appeal before a Division Bench of the Madras High Court, comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G. Arul Murugan. The Division Bench, after hearing the appeal, temporarily stayed the single judge's order, effectively halting the immediate issuance of the U/A certificate. This decision has led to the further postponement of 'Jana Nayagan's release, which was initially slated for the Pongal festival. The legal battle is set to continue, with the next hearing scheduled for January 21. This case holds significant public interest given Vijay's status as a prominent actor and his recent entry into politics, leading to allegations from his supporters and political figures like T.N. CM Stalin about the CBFC being 'weaponised'.