Months after Jana Nayagan was leaked online in high definition ahead of its theatrical release, director H Vinoth has appealed to audiences to watch the Vijay-starrer in cinemas when it releases on July 23. Acknowledging that many people may have already seen the pirated version, the filmmaker said the film deserves a theatrical viewing because of both its scale and its political themes.
Jana Nayagan urges fans to watch film in theatres
Speaking to Cinema Vikatan, Vinoth admitted that the leak could affect the film’s box office prospects but remained hopeful that fans would return to theatres to experience the film on the big screen.
“A lot of people have already watched Jana Nayagan. I don’t know if they will come back to theatres to watch it again,” he said.
Explaining why audiences should still support the film, Vinoth added that Jana Nayagan goes beyond being a typical commercial entertainer. According to the filmmaker, the story addresses several sensitive political and social issues rather than functioning solely as a vehicle to celebrate Vijay or promote his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
“They should come to the theatres because they want to watch Vijay sir. Jana Nayagan is not just a commercial film. It is not merely about praising TVK either. We have addressed sensitive political issues in the film. My wish is that people watch the content and discuss it,” he said.
H Vinoth reflects on Vijay’s rise
Vinoth also opened up about how dramatically circumstances changed between the film’s production and its release.
Jana Nayagan was shot before the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, but by the time it reached theatres, Vijay had become the state’s Chief Minister after TVK emerged as the single-largest party.
The director admitted that he never expected Vijay’s political journey to unfold so quickly. “It feels like a dream to me. Back then, no one said Vijay sir would become the Chief Minister. Even I never imagined it would happen. The fact that he won the election is phenomenal. I think we have underestimated the scale of his victory,” Vinoth said.
Despite the political developments, he maintained that the film’s message has remained exactly as it was when it was made.
Jana Nayagan stars Vijay alongside Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, Mamitha Baiju, Prakash Raj, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Priyamani, Narain and Nassar. After a seven-month delay reportedly linked to certification issues, the film has received an A certificate from the CBFC and is scheduled to release in theatres on July 23. The project is also being billed as Vijay’s final film as an actor before he devotes himself fully to politics, adding to the anticipation surrounding its release.
Jana Nayagan leak: H Vinoth urges audiences to watch Vijay's film in theatres
