JanaNayagan will not release before April 30th

The highly anticipated Tamil film Jana Nayagan , starring Vijay and touted as the actor’s last cinematic outing before his full-time entry into politics, will not release before April 30, 2026. The announcement comes amid ongoing certification disputes that have delayed the project and fueled speculation about its timing relative to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections.

Originally scheduled to release during the Pongal festival season on January 9, the film has faced repeated postponements due to unresolved issues with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The producers had submitted the film in December 2025 and received initial approval for a U/A certificate , but a late objection led the board to refer the film to its Revising Committee, stalling the release.

The producers approached the Madras High Court to expedite the clearance, but the court’s initial order was later overturned, and the matter was remanded for procedural review. Recently, the High Court allowed the producers to withdraw their petition, effectively ending the legal attempt to force early certification and allowing the film to proceed through the revising committee process.

Distributors have now confirmed that the film will not hit theaters before the end of April 2026, which means it will miss the pre-election window. Overseas distributors, including in Canada, have asked audiences to claim refunds for advance bookings while assuring priority access once a new release date is confirmed.

The delays have sparked debate over the political overtones of the film, especially given Vijay’s active involvement in Tamil Nadu politics through his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam .

Industry watchers now expect Jana Nayagan to secure its censor certificate following the revising committee’s review, with a possible theatrical release window in May or June 2026. Meanwhile, the film’s saga continues to fuel discussions about censorship, legal procedures, and the intersection of cinema and politics in the state.