The indefinite postponement of Thalapathy Vijay’s highly anticipated swansong, Jana Nayagan, has left millions of fans in a state of flux. Amidst the ongoing legal battle with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Vijay’s father, veteran director SA Chandrasekhar (SAC), has finally broken his silence, offering a defiant perspective on the situation.
"Hurdles are Inevitable"
Speaking to the media on January 28, 2026, SAC addressed the repeated setbacks that saw the film miss its original January 9 release date. He framed the delay not just as a technical or certification issue, but as a rite of passage for Vijay’s burgeoning political career with his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
"It is normal for those entering politics for the first time to face obstacles. Vijay will face any number of such obstacles. He is not afraid of anything; his chances of success are bright." SA Chandrasekhar
The Political Undercurrent
SAC hinted that the public is "well aware" of why the film is being stalled, subtly pointing toward the political undertones of the film and its timing. He noted that Vijay’s entry into the political arena has already triggered a massive cultural shift in Tamil Nadu.
- Increased Awareness: SAC highlighted that young people and women are now discussing politics more articulately than ever.
- The "Karur" Reference: He made a cryptic remark stating, "The people know what happened in Karur," referring to recent political tensions in the region.
Status of the Legal Battle
The film, directed by H. Vinoth, has been caught in a tug-of-war between the producers (KVN Productions) and the CBFC. Here is the current standing as of late January 2026:
| Event | Status |
| Original Release Date | January 9, 2026 (Postponed) |
| Censor Board Stance | Referred to a Revising Committee due to "internal complaints" and controversial political dialogues. |
| Madras High Court | A division bench recently set aside a single-judge order (which favored the film) and sent the case back for a fresh hearing. |
| Vijay's Stance | Reports suggest Vijay has refused to accept major cuts to political "punch" dialogues, viewing them as the soul of the film. |
A ₹500-Crore Stake
With a reported budget of ₹500 crore, Jana Nayagan is not just a cinematic event but a massive financial and political gamble. The film, which also stars Bobby Deol, Pooja Hegde, and Mamitha Baiju, is widely seen as Vijay's final message to the electorate before the 2026 Assembly polls.
The Madras High Court has directed a single judge to hear the case "expeditiously," but for now, the "People’s Leader" remains off the silver screen.
