Vijay’s Jana Nayagan Opens to Packed Houses, Mixed Reviews

Tamil superstar and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay bid farewell to cinema with the release of Jana Nayagan on July 23, 2026.

Directed by H. Vinoth, the political action drama features Bobby Deol as the antagonist alongside Pooja Hegde, Mamitha Baiju, Prakash Raj, Narain, and Gautham Vasudev Menon.

The film drew massive crowds across Tamil Nadu, with nearly 950 theatres reporting full occupancy and fans celebrating with cut‑outs, processions, and themed gatherings.

Advance ticket sales crossed 1 million nationwide, generating Rs 22 crore before release

Analysts project opening day collections of Rs 55–60 crore in India, with global earnings potentially exceeding Rs 100 crore.

Early reviews, however, remain divided.

While audiences praised Vijay’s commanding screen presence and Anirudh Ravichander’s powerful score, critics noted that the screenplay leaned heavily on familiar mass‑entertainer tropes.

The film’s release was delayed from January due to CBFC certification issues, eventually receiving an “A” certificate after legal proceedings.

The title card introduces Vijay as “Honourable Tamil Nadu CM Vijay”, symbolising his transition from cinema to full‑time politics. Jana Nayagan thus stands as both a cinematic farewell and a political milestone.