Cinema VinesVijay’s upcoming Tamil action drama, Jana Nayagan, directed by H Vinoth, is set to hit theatres on July 23 after a protracted battle with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film, which stars Vijay alongside Mamitha Baiju, Bobby Deol and Pooja Hegde, was originally slated for a January release during Pongal but was postponed when the CBFC demanded a series of cuts and edits. Despite court intervention, the makers were unable to secure a timely clearance, forcing the release to be delayed by seven months.
In April, the movie was illegally leaked online in high‑definition format, prompting several arrests. The leak came at a critical time, as Vijay was preparing to contest the Tamil Nadu elections. The producers, led by K Venkata Narayana of KVN Productions, scrambled to remove all unauthorized copies from the internet. While bookings for the film have opened overseas, domestic bookings remain pending as the film’s final certification is awaited.
Producer Narayana told NDTV that the film has undergone extensive changes since the leak. He confirmed that the audience will experience a “new” version in theatres, featuring additional songs and other modifications. He added that the story, which centers on a social issue, remains strong and compelling, and will appeal to viewers of all ages. Narayana also mentioned that the film has been adapted from Anil Ravipudi’s Telugu hit Bhagavanth Kesari.
During the certification process, a member of the CBFC’s examining committee lodged a complaint, which sent the film to the revising committee. The makers were asked to remove references to Vijay’s political party, TVK, and to Ambedkar. After meeting the board’s demands, the film was finally granted an A certificate, albeit with the requested cuts.
Vijay, who is now the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, has announced that Jana Nayagan will be his last film before he fully commits to his political career. The film’s release marks a significant moment for the actor‑turned‑politician, as he balances his cinematic legacy with his new role in public office.
