Thalapathy Vijay in Jana Nayagan.
Credit: KVN Productions
Adding to the domestic certification crisis, Thalapathy Vijay’s final film, Jana Nayagan, is reportedly facing a ban in Saudi Arabia, further dampening spirits ahead of its January 9 release. With the GCC market serving as one of the biggest markets for Vijay's film, the makers are in a race against time to resolve these regulatory hurdles and protect the film’s massive Rs 400 crore investment, avoiding a ban in these countries.
As pressure mounts from all sides, a section of the industry is voicing its outrage over the hurdles facing Thalapathy Vijay’s final film.
In an exclusive conversation with Deccan Herald, an insider expressed deep disappointment and said, “He doesn’t deserve this. To see a man leaving the cinema at his absolute peak to serve the people be treated this way is heartbreaking. It is a loss for Tamil cinema that we cannot provide him a smooth tribute. Despite the turmoil, Vijay remains characteristically composed, preferring to let his work speak for itself while his team remains completely focused on a January 9 release.”
“Supporters remain entirely convinced that Jana Nayagan will overcome every obstacle before January 9. They are preparing for a celebration of festive proportions, determined to grant Thalapathy Vijay a historic farewell unlike any ever witnessed in the history of Indian cinema,” concluded the source.
Speculation is mounting that a strategic delay by the CBFC could see the certificate issued only moments before release, resulting in a disastrous rollout.
Such a scenario would go beyond simple business damage, potentially dealing a blow to Vijay’s public image at a time when he is bidding a high-profile farewell to Indian cinema.
Directed by H Vinoth, the movie is backed by Venkat K Narayana under KVN Productions. Jana Nayagan stars Bobby Deol, Mamitha Baiju, Pooja Hegde and others in key roles and is loosely adapted from Nandamuri Balakrishna’s Bhagavanth Kesari (2023). The film is slated for a theatrical release on January 9.