Vijay's highly anticipated film Jana Nayagan has generated massive online buzz, crossing 1 million "I'm interested" clicks on BookMyShow despite its theatrical release hanging in the balance. Originally scheduled for January 9, 2026, to coincide with the Pongal weekend, the film hit a roadblock when the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) did not grant the expected UA 16+ certificate and instead referred it to a revising committee, throwing its release plans into disarray.
This surge in audience interest rivals Vijay's 2023 hit Leo, which had about 1.1 million BookMyShow interests, highlighting the star's enduring box office appeal even amid uncertainty. The Supreme Court recently declined to entertain a plea by producers KVN Productions for immediate clearance, directing them back to the Madras High Court, with a hearing scheduled for January 20, 2026.
The film's legal battle stems from a single judge Madras High Court order that initially directed the CBFC to issue the censor certificate, which was later stayed by a division bench, prompting the producers to seek relief in the Supreme Court. The CBFC's last minute decision to send the film to a revising committee, despite a prior agreement to grant a UA 16+ certificate, has been a major point of contention, with the producers arguing that the delay has jeopardized the film's planned release.
The ongoing court case has left fans and exhibitors waiting for a new release date, with no official confirmation yet, but the online interest remains high, reflecting the film's strong fan base. Directed by H. Vinoth, Jana Nayagan features an ensemble cast including Mamitha Baiju, Bobby Deol, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj, Priyamani, Pooja Hegde, and Narain, among others. The film's music is composed by Anirudh Ravichander.