Jana Nayagan release: Vijay's final film hits 1,000 TN screens today
Synopsis
Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister is also its biggest box-office draw right now. Jana Nayagan — Vijay's self-described final film — is hitting 1,000 screens with ₹15 crore in advance bookings and a projected ₹50–60 crore opening day, making him only the second sitting CM in Tamil Nadu history, after M.G. Ramachandran, to release a film while in office.
Key Takeaways
Jana Nayagan releases across nearly 1,000 screens in Tamil Nadu on 24 July 2025 .
Domestic advance bookings have crossed ₹15 crore ; opening-day collections projected at ₹50–60 crore across India.
CM Vijay watched the film with family at Tagore Film Centre, Adyar on Wednesday ahead of the release.
The film was delayed from its original 9 January release date due to pending CBFC certification and was further impacted by an online leak.
Black-market tickets were reportedly sold for up to ₹2,000 ; the ruling TVK has directed officials to ensure orderly celebrations.
Vijay becomes only the second Tamil Nadu CM after M.G.
Ramachandran to have a film release while serving in office.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's highly anticipated film 'Jana Nayagan' — billed as the actor-turned-politician's last cinematic outing — is set to release across nearly 1,000 screens in Tamil Nadu on Thursday, 24 July 2025, riding a wave of record advance bookings, fan frenzy, and festival-like celebrations statewide.
Special Screening Before Release
Ahead of the theatrical debut, Chief Minister Vijay watched the film alongside his family at the Tagore Film Centre in Adyar, Chennai, on Wednesday evening. The private screening was attended by the CM's parents and senior government officials, including Chief Secretary Sai Kumar, Private Secretary Senthil Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) Siddiq, and the film's producer Venkata Narayana.
Delays, Leaks, and Undiminished Enthusiasm
Jana Nayagan was originally scheduled for release on 9 January but was pushed back after the film awaited certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The delay was compounded when portions of the film were leaked online ahead of the release. Despite the setback, public enthusiasm has remained undimmed, with online ticket reservations selling out within minutes of windows opening. Several theatres reportedly unlocked bookings during early morning hours to manage the surge in demand.
Box Office Projections and Black Market Concerns
Trade analysts estimate that domestic advance bookings have already crossed ₹15 crore, with opening-day collections projected at ₹50 crore to ₹60 crore across India. However, the euphoria has been shadowed by reports of black-market ticket sales. Fans have alleged that tickets were being resold at ₹500 to ₹800 at select theatres, with some black-market prices reportedly touching ₹2,000. Others claimed that only a limited number of tickets were made available through authorised online platforms.
A Historic Milestone for Tamil Cinema and Politics
The release places Vijay in a rare bracket — only the second Tamil Nadu Chief Minister after the legendary M.G. Ramachandran to have a film released while serving in office. The ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has directed its ministers and district-level functionaries to coordinate celebrations while ensuring they remain orderly and free from controversy over ticket pricing. Although Jana Nayagan has received an 'A' certificate — restricting entry to adults — party leaders have described the occasion as a landmark moment in Vijay's transition from cinema superstar to Chief Minister.
Celebrations Across Tamil Nadu
Theatres in several tier-II cities are planning special programmes, with DJs playing Vijay's hit songs ahead of the first show. Theatre owners expressed confidence that audience preference for the theatrical experience would hold strong despite the earlier online leak. This comes amid a broader trend of superstar-led Tamil releases generating outsized opening-weekend footfalls, a pattern that Jana Nayagan is widely expected to sustain.
Point of View
And a blockbuster opening would cement his mass connect in a way no rally can. Yet the black-market ticket controversy and the 'A' certificate are quiet complications: the party wants celebrations to be visible and orderly, but scalping allegations could invite uncomfortable scrutiny. The real question is whether the box-office numbers will be read as cultural fandom or as a proxy verdict on his first months in office — because in Tamil Nadu, the two have rarely been separable.
NationPress
23 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is Jana Nayagan releasing?
Jana Nayagan is releasing on 24 July 2025 across nearly 1,000 screens in Tamil Nadu. The film is Vijay's final cinematic appearance before he fully commits to his role as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
What are the box office projections for Jana Nayagan?
Trade analysts project an opening-day collection of ₹50 crore to ₹60 crore across India. Domestic advance bookings have already crossed ₹15 crore, with shows selling out within minutes of reservations opening.
Why was Jana Nayagan delayed?
The film was originally scheduled for release on 9 January but was delayed pending certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). An online leak of portions of the film further complicated the pre-release period, though it did not significantly dampen audience enthusiasm.
What is the significance of Jana Nayagan's release for Tamil Nadu politics?
The release makes Vijay only the second Tamil Nadu Chief Minister after M.G. Ramachandran to have a film released while serving in office. The ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has framed the occasion as a historic milestone in Vijay's journey from superstar to statesman.
What certificate has Jana Nayagan received, and are there black-market ticket concerns?
Jana Nayagan has received an 'A' certificate from the CBFC, restricting entry to adults. Separately, fans have alleged widespread black-market ticket sales, with prices reportedly reaching ₹2,000 at some locations, prompting the TVK to direct officials to ensure orderly celebrations.
