A petition has been filed seeking directions to the Election Commission to halt the release of the upcoming film TN 2026, starring actor Natty Nataraj, until the completion of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections process. The elections are scheduled for April 23, while the film's release is scheduled for April 10.

The case has been filed in the Madras High Court by ML Ravi, leader of the Desiya Makkal Sakthi Katchi. The petition states that since the film is based on recent political developments, its release should be stayed until the election process concludes. It further argues that allowing the film’s release could influence voters and affect the fairness of the elections.

The row comes amidst the controversy surrounding the release of Vijay's Jana Nayagan. The Election Commission has halted the release as lead actor Vijay is contesting in the upcoming elections. Many netizens have raised the doubt of how TN 2026 can be allowed when the model code of conduct is enforced if Jana Nayagan isn't.

Helmed by Umapathy Ramaiah, TN 2026 has a story by Thambi Ramaiah. The film has two taglines, namely, 'Thanga Natchathiram' and 'Time to lead'. TN 2026 is produced by Kannan Ravi under his Kannan Ravi Groups banner, with Deepak Ravi serving as a co-producer. The film also stars Thambi Ramaiah, Ilavarasu, MS Bhaskar, Shrrita Rao, Chandini Tamilarasan, Viji Chandrasekar, Vadivukkarasi, Redin Kingsley, John Vijay, Aadukalam Naren, VJ Andrews, Sathyan, and Jawa Sunderasan, among others.

Darbuka Siva is composing music for the film, with lyrics written by Karthik Netha, Mohan Rajan, and Vignesh Ramakrishna. Director of photography PG Muthiah, editor Arul R Thangam, art director NK Rahul, and stunt choreographer Mahesh Mathew round out the film's crew.