Pooja Hegde with Vijay at the launch of Jana Nayagan 
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Pooja Hegde opens up on filming Jana Nayagan with Vijay: 'Honestly, I was just sad…'

In a recent interview, Pooja Hegde spoke about working with Vijay for one last time in Jana Nayagan, before the actor quits films to focus on politics

Cinema Express Desk

For Pooja Hegde, wrapping up Jana Nayagan was an emotional ride. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter India, the actor shared how working on Tamil superstar Vijay’s swan song was both exciting and bittersweet.

"Honestly, I was just sad," Hegde admitted about filming her last shot with Vijay, who will soon be stepping away from cinema to focus on his political career. "Working with Vijay sir is the most relaxing experience. He is so cool and a totally chill person. I think in his mind he knows he is a superstar, and he doesn't feel the need to prove that because he is so comfortable with himself. He's the sweetest co-star to work with."

Despite the farewell on set, Hegde will reunite with him at the film’s audio launch next year. "He's still one of those people I meet up with, and he's always very sweet," she said.

Reflecting on his decision to leave acting behind, Hegde added, "He has bigger dreams and different dreams in mind, and he needs to follow that." She’s also eagerly awaiting the film’s January release, saying, "I am excited for the film releasing in January. It is Vijay sir's last film."

Along with Vijay and Pooja Hegde, Jana Nayagan, helmed by H Vinoth, also stars Bobby Deol, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Mamitha Baiju, Prakash Raj, Narain, Priyamani, Teejay Arunasalam, and Sunil, among others. Vijay will be seen as a cop in the upcoming film.

On the technical front, Jana Nayagan features music composed by Anirudh, cinematography by Sathyan Sooryan, editing by Pradeep E Ragav, action choreography by Anl Arasu, and art direction by Selva Kumar.

Jana Nayagan is produced by Venkat K Narayana and co-produced by Lohith N K and Jagadish Palanisamy. The film will be released in theatres on January 9, 2026, for the Pongal festival season.

On the work front, Pooja Hegde is fresh off the success of 'Monica' from Coolie. Last seen in Suriya's Retro, she also has Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai and Kanchana 4 in the pipeline. 

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