Vijay’s ‘Theri’ re-release postponed as ‘Jana Nayagan’ faces censor row

vijay theri

• Theri re-release postponed due to Jana Nayagan's censor certification issues
• Jana Nayagan's release delayed by CBFC and ongoing court battle
• Producers await resolution before rescheduling Theri and Jana Nayagan releases

Did our AI summary help?

The much-anticipated re-release of Vijay’s 2016 blockbuster Theri — which was expected to return to theatres in early 2026 — has been postponed amid controversy surrounding the censor certification of his next film, Jana Nayagan.

The Theri re-release plan was originally announced to coincide with the festive period around Pongal, offering fans another chance to experience Vijay’s popular action drama on the big screen. But with Vijay’s forthcoming political action thriller Jana Nayagan embroiled in a censor board standoff and legal complications, organisers have put the Theri re-run on hold until the situation is clearer.

Jana Nayagan — which was slated for a January 9, 2026 theatrical release, has been delayed due to issues with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and a pending court battle over its certification. Producers and legal teams have been navigating appeals and hearings, including interventions from the Madras High Court, to secure clearance. This uncertainty has directly affected promotional and scheduling decisions for Theri.

As per the request from the producers of upcoming releases, we have decided to postpone the release of "Theri".

— Kalaippuli S Thanu (@theVcreations) January 13, 2026

Fans were initially excited about Theri’s tenth-anniversary return to cinemas, with its blend of high-octane action and emotional storytelling still resonating with audiences years after its original release. The film, directed by Atlee and featuring Vijay as a dedicated cop on a mission to protect his family, has maintained a loyal fanbase that has long supported its theatrical screenings and digital viewings.

However, the censor certification row over Jana Nayagan — involving delays in issuing the required U/A certificate despite submission and review — has created ripple effects across Vijay’s film calendar. With the certification still unresolved and litigation ongoing, the producers have opted to delay ancillary releases and promotional efforts until a firm release date for Jana Nayagan can be established.

Also read: Kamal Haasan flags threat to creative freedom amid Jana Nayagan censor row, calls for transparent film certification reforms

On Saturday, Venkat K Narayana, the producer of the film with KVN Productions, posted a video addressing the ongoing conflict for the first time. He expressed his apologies to fans, distributors, and exhibitors who had high expectations for Jana Nayagan's release, stating that the postponement was entirely out of their hands.