Troubles seem far from over for Vijay’s Jana Nayagan. Days after the film faced issues over its A certification in Chennai, it has landed in fresh controversy in Karnataka, where Kannada activists allegedly tore down its posters and demanded that screenings be stopped during protests against the ongoing Cauvery water dispute.
Kannada activists tear Jana Nayagan posters
The CWRC’s directive has been opposed by Kannada activists in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mandya, and Ramanagara. They are holding protests to voice their concerns. However, the agitation took a dramatic turn when certain Kannada activists gathered outside Gurushri Cinema and demanded that the screening of Jana Nayagan be stopped. They even tore down posters of the film and raised slogans.
Karnataka Fringe group started to tearing the poster of #jananayagan Vijay for Cauvery dispute.
They will use this to gain mileage/Fame light in politics.
Here on Aug 3 opposition going to do huge protest with farmers in Tamil Nadu.
How CM Vijay going to handle this? pic.twitter.com/4ErIcUncN2
— MacroMatrix (@MacroMatrix1) July 30, 2026
About the Cauvery water dispute
The decades-old Cauvery water dispute has resurfaced after the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) directed Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days, beginning July 29. The order has triggered protests by farmer groups and pro-Kannada organisations, who argue that Karnataka cannot afford to release water when its own drinking water and irrigation requirements are under pressure. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 28, urging him to ensure that no statutory or administrative approval is granted to the Mekedatu project unless it fully complies with the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) Award.
More about Jana Nayagan
Earlier, the film ran into an unexpected hurdle in Chennai after several theatres reportedly stopped allowing children to attend screenings because of its A certification. Reports from several cinema halls in Chennai suggested that children were denied entry despite arriving with their parents, leading to confusion and heated exchanges at some venues.
Directed by H. Vinoth, Jana Nayagan stars Vijay in the lead alongside Bobby Deol, Pooja Hegde, Mamitha Baiju, Prakash Raj, and Priyamani. The film has been one of the most talked-about Tamil releases of the year. Jana Nayagan has emerged as a major box office success, entering the Rs 200 crore club worldwide in just four days.
Director H. Vinoth revealed that six deleted scenes from Jana Nayagan, including emotional, action, and light-hearted moments, may be added to the theatrical version from next week. The decision comes after fans expressed a desire to see more of Vijay in his farewell film.
