Key facts
- Jana Nayagan starring Vijay embroiled in censor row
- Drishyam 3 among South Indian controversies of early 2026
- Controversies span Tamil, Malayalam and other South Indian industries
The first six months of 2026 have been unusually turbulent for South Indian cinema, with a string of controversies touching some of the industry's biggest names and most anticipated projects. A round-up by The Times of India captures the breadth of the friction, from censor-related battles to disputes around sequels and creative decisions.
Among the most high-profile incidents was the censor row surrounding Jana Nayagan, the film starring Vijay — the Tamil superstar who has also made a high-profile entry into politics. Any dispute involving Vijay's films now carries an additional layer of political scrutiny, making the certification row particularly charged. Drishyam 3, the next installment in the massively popular Malayalam thriller franchise, also figured in the list of controversies, though the specific nature of its dispute was part of the broader compilation.
The range of incidents reflects the complex environment in which South Indian filmmakers now operate — navigating certification boards, cultural sensitivities, star power, and a polarised public discourse that can quickly amplify any friction into a national story.
With South Indian films routinely crossing Rs 100-500 crore at the box office and drawing pan-India audiences, the stakes attached to these controversies are higher than ever. Industry watchers will be hoping the second half of 2026 is less turbulent.