Even as its theatrical release hangs in the balance, Vijay’s much-anticipated Jana Nayagan has sparked massive audience interest online. The film has crossed the one-million mark on BookMyShow, with over a million users tapping the “I’m interested” option ahead of ticket sales.
Originally slated to hit theatres on January 9, just in time for the Pongal weekend, Jana Nayagan ran into last-minute hurdles when it failed to receive certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Instead of being cleared as earlier indicated, the film was unexpectedly referred to a revising committee, throwing its release plans into disarray.
A quick look at the film’s BookMyShow page shows audience interest rivalling Vijay’s Leo (2023), which had recorded around 1.1 million interests on the platform. This surge comes even as the legal tussle between the filmmakers and the censor body continues, with no confirmed release date in sight.
Last week, the Supreme Court declined to entertain a plea by producers KVN Productions seeking immediate clearance for the film. The apex court upheld a Madras High Court order and directed the producers to approach the High Court again, with the matter scheduled for further hearing on January 20. The case stems from KVN Productions challenging an interim HC order that had put on hold a single-judge directive to issue the censor certificate.
According to the producers, they moved the High Court on January 6 after being informed at the eleventh hour that Jana Nayagan would be sent for revision instead of being granted a UA 16+ certificate as previously conveyed.
Helmed by H Vinoth, the film boasts a sprawling ensemble cast featuring Mamitha Baiju, Bobby Deol, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj, Priyamani, Pooja Hegde, and Narain, among others. There has also been persistent buzz that Jana Nayagan may be a remake of Nandamuri Balakrishna’s 2023 Telugu film Bhagavanth Kesari, a speculation strengthened by the trailer, though the makers have stopped short of confirming it.
Jana Nayagan has music composed by Anirudh Ravichander, with cinematography by Sathyan Sooryan and editing by Pradeep E Ragav. Along with KVN Productions, the film is co-produced by Jagadish Palanisamy and Lohith NK.