Author : Adarsh Vepachedu | EQmint | Entertainment News
The digital world is well and truly abuzz this week! The trailer for “Jana Nayagan,” the final film of Tamil superstar Vijay, set viewership records. In a matter of hours post its launch, the trailer video racked up over 100 million views across various platforms, a testament to Vijay’s massive fan base.
It’s no surprise, social media is filled with heartfelt tributes with diehard fans dissecting each scene, praising the actor’s unique style, emphatic dialogue delivery and “mass” moments. Loyalists are calling it a “masterclass” and his “perfect last dance,” marking the end of an era in Kollywood, even as a sense of celebration and bittersweet farewell prevail.
Advance Booking Crosses Rs 15 Crore
The excitement has spread beyond the internet. Box offices across Tamil Nadu and other regions are seeing huge demand. Advance bookings for “Jana Nayagan,” which opens next week, have already crossed Rs 15 crore in India. This strong number, reached days before release, hints at a possible record opening. Theatres are adding more shows, and multiplexes say tickets are selling out within minutes. Audiences clearly want to see Vijay’s final film on the big screen, making it a true cultural event.
Jana Nayagan CBFC Clearance Hearing In Madras HC – Delays, Accusations & A Warning
But the road to release has been anything but smooth… The film faced an unexpected hurdle at the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Claiming a “deliberate and unexplained delay” in acquiring the necessary certification for release, the film’s producers knocked on the doors of the Madras High Court, on January 5.
In the latest, the CBFC told the Madras High Court that the movie will be reviewed again, and this time by a newly appointed committee. The matter, which was listed for hearing on January 6, has now been postponed. The new date of hearing is January 7 at 2.15 pm. This adds a layer of complexity, ahead of the planned January 9 release.
No “Show” In Saudi Arabia?
Adding to the pre-release woes, unconfirmed reports surfaced on January 5 claiming “Jana Nayagan” may be banned in Saudi Arabia and possibly other Gulf nations. The reason? The film’s political themes and Vijay’s known political ambitions. While an official confirmation is still awaited from Saudi censors, the Gulf region is a significant market for Tamil films and a ban could mean a major commercial blow. Distributors are waiting with bated breath for the final word and are hopeful of a last-minute clearance.
CBI Summons Vijay For Questioning In Karur Stampede Case
In what could spell more trouble, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) which is currently looking into the tragic stampede at a Vijay fan club event in Karur last month that resulted in four deaths, has summoned the actor for questioning next week. Although Vijay is not being accused, investigators want to understand the organisation and permissions related to the event conducted by his fan association.
Vijay’s Political Party Announces First Rally Date
In another key update, Vijay’s new political party – Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) – announced its first official public rally which will be held on January 25, in Madurai. This event marks another clear move into active politics. The timing – right after the release of “Jana Nayagan,” which translates to “People’s Hero,” is symbolic, fuelling speculation that the film’s themes and Vijay’s on-screen character are intentionally designed to connect with his political plunge.
Actor Vijay – The Last Superstar-Politician? Can Cinema Still Script Power In Tamil Nadu?
This convergence of events raises the main question: Is Joseph Vijay the last in the line of Tamil Nadu’s legendary superstar-politicians? The state has a rich history where on-screen charm often turned into electoral success (think MGR, Jayalalithaa). Vijay’s carefully planned political entry, boosted by the immense hype and thematic depth of his final film, tests whether this powerful formula still holds in 2026. “Jana Nayagan” is more than just a movie; it could be a launchpad.
Can Vijay turn his extraordinary fan loyalty, built over decades of playing the common man’s hero fighting corruption, into actual political support? Or has the audience shifted beyond the influence of cinematic mythology? The film’s success will be a key measure, but the real answer will come at the polls. His transition challenges the idea of whether cinema can still shape political futures in a more complex media and social landscape.
The Final Reel & The Next Act
“Jana Nayagan” marks a crucial moment. It marks the climax of a brilliant acting career filled with record-breaking accomplishments and intense fan loyalty, and craze. However, the release is marred by certification struggles, a tragic investigation and geopolitical uncertainties.
The remarkable advance bookings show his star power is still strong. The CBFC struggle highlights the potential friction caused by his political goals. The CBI summons spotlights the weight of his public presence. The rally announcement is also telling of an inevitable shift. As “Jana Nayagan” preps for release, it’s not just another film… It’s a cultural icon stepping off the screen and onto the political arena.
Is this the end for the actor, or the beginning for the state’s next “Arasiyal Thalaivar”? The stage is indeed set for an exciting, high-stakes drama that is bound to have far-reaching effects beyond the cinema hall.
For more information : EQmint
