It has been five days since the conclusion of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, and the EVM machines for the elections have been secured in respective counting centres across the state. The people of Tamil Nadu have been anticipating May 4, when the counting of votes is set to take place.
Anna University in Kotturpuram, Chennai, is one of the counting centres. There, a man in charge of the strong room shared a social media post where he was seen watching the pirated version of Vijay's Jana Nayagan on his laption in the CCTV security room. Following his post, the individual has reportedly been reprimanded by the Kottupuram police.
The individual has been identified as Yuvaraj, who was in charge of watching the CCTVs to ensure the security of the EVM machines in the strong room. However, the individual not only failed in his duty by watching a film during his work hours but also watched it illegally, which has led to his arrest.
Meanwhile, Vijay, who debuted in politics with the recent election, contended in the chief ministerial race as the leader of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. The actor-politician paid a visit to the Tiruchendur Murugan Temple a week ahead of poll counting, on Monday.
On April 9, Jana Nayagan leaked in its entirety on various illegal pirated sites, causing further distress to the makers. The police and cybercrime department have taken action with arrests and curtailing the spread of the pirated version online.
Recently, the film's editor, Pradeep E Ragav was suspended from the South Indian Film Editor's Association (SIFEA), as the body found him partially responsible for the leak, which was allegedly carried out by a freelance editor.
Directed by H Vinoth and starring Vijay, Pooja Hegde, Mamitha Baiju, Bobby Deol, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj, Narain and Priyamani in key roles, the actioner was set for release in theatres during the Pongal festival in January. However, the multiple delays made it impossible for the film's release in theatres.
If the censor board gives a go-ahead for the film, expected to arrive this week, the film may be scheduled for May 8, next Friday. However, an official confirmation is awaited.