Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay, on May 25, 2026, issued an order allowing theatres across the state to screen five shows every day. New Tamil films that release in the state can screen five shows daily for seven days from the release date. The move is expected to boost the theatrical business. Interestingly, the decision comes ahead of Vijay`s long-delayed film, Jana Nayagan.
Vijay allows 5 shows in Tamil Nadu
Under the current Tamil Cinema (Regulation) Rules, 1957, a film was allowed to have four scheduled shows, with an extra `special` show scheduled only on festive holidays and government holidays. The permission for scheduling extra shows was previously granted by the District Collector or a Police Inspector for districts outside Chennai. Meanwhile, for Chennai, the permission was granted by the Commissioner of Police.
With the new order, a newly released Tamil film can have five scheduled shows daily for the first seven days beginning from the day of its release. Additionally, five shows can be scheduled on weekends, festive holidays and government holidays. This new directive also describes that extra shows can be scheduled, without the requirement of permission from the concerned authorities.
Vijay`s decision has sparked excitement among theatre owners, distributors and fans, as many believe it could be a significant push for Tamil cinema’s theatrical culture.
Jana Nayagan delay
For the unversed, Jana Nayagan, which is touted to be Vijay`s final film before his political career, has been stuck with the CBFC since December. The CBFC cited that certain scenes had the potential to hurt public sentiments. Reportedly, the film was also held back because of its political content, which the board saw as influential in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, in which Vijay was contesting.
The makers of the film had earlier moved the court after the CBFC flagged the scenes, seeking a censor certificate ahead of the film`s release, which was initially scheduled for January 9. After a month-long legal standoff, the film was eventually postponed. The makers even withdrew their case against the CBFC and agreed to send the film to the revising committee later. Ever since, the film has been stuck with the revision committee.
Vijay made his electoral debut with his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026 and recorded a historic win. Amid the CBFC delay, Jana Nayagan also ran into trouble after an HD print of the film was leaked online on April 9.
