The Supreme Court of India on January 15, 2026, refused to entertain a petition filed by KVN Productions LLP, the producer of the Tamil film 'Jana Nayagan', which sought immediate clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). A bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Augustine George Masih noted that the Madras High Court's Division Bench is already seized of the matter and is scheduled to hear it on January 20. The Apex Court consequently directed the producers to present their contentions before the High Court on the said date. The controversy surrounding 'Jana Nayagan', a film starring actor-politician Vijay, emerged after the CBFC referred the movie to a Revising Committee despite an Examining Committee initially recommending a 'U/A 16+' certificate with certain changes that the filmmakers accepted. The producer had initially moved the Madras High Court, where a single-judge bench had directed the CBFC to issue the certificate. However, this order was subsequently stayed by a Division Bench of the Madras High Court following an urgent appeal by the CBFC, which claimed insufficient time to respond. The legal battle has significantly delayed the film's release, which was originally slated for January 9, 2026, coinciding with the Pongal festival. The producers, including KVN Productions, have expressed the financial and logistical challenges caused by the delay, citing substantial investments in theatre bookings and promotional activities. The Supreme Court observed that there was no need for its interference when the High Court Division Bench was actively considering the matter. This development marks a significant setback for the film's release, with its fate now resting on the Madras High Court's decision on January 20.