Director Pragabhal's upcoming film Jockey, which is set against the backdrop of the famous traditional Madurai goat fight, will now hit screens on January 23, its makers announced on Monday. The film, which was earlier set for release on January 14, moved out of the Pongal race at the last moment, citing "unavoidable circumstances". Upon release, the film will now clash with Mohan G's Draupathi 2 and Vignesh Karthick's Hot Spot 2.

Calling the film an animal-sport entertainer with gangster elements, the filmmaker, in an earlier interview with the CE, said, "Jockey is as much a gangster drama as it is an animal-sport film. That way, Jockey will be a completely different experience. The film will enter the gangster phase due to a conflict in the sport. There will be intense action both on and off the field. Having said that, the emotional undercurrent will justify the action that ensues." He later added in a statement, "My intent is to make the world witness the unique relationship between goats and their handlers and showcase Madurai’s rich culture with honesty and intensity."

Jockey marks Dr Pragabhal's sophomore film. In his debut directorial, he directed Muddy, India's first full-length film on mud racing.

Jockey marks the second collaboration between the director and actors Yuvan and Ridhaan Krishna, after Muddy. The film also stars Ammu Abhirami as the female lead and Madhusudhan Rao in a pivotal role.

Jockey's technical crew comprises cinematographer Udhayakumar, editor Srikanth, composer Sakthi Balaji, art director C Udhayakumar, and stunt choreographer Prabhu Jacky.