The ban on release of Thug Life in Karnataka is expected to cause ripple effects in the Tamil cinema industry. Actor Vijay’s Jana Nayagan produced by a production house in Karnataka seems to have been caught in the crossfire caused by the language row. Several social media handles on Tuesday took to X threatening to block the release of Vijay’s next Jana Nayagan.
Helmed by H Vinoth, one of the popular directors in Tamil Nadu, Jana Nayagan is produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Nisha Venkat Konanki of KVN Productions. The co-producers include Jagadish Palanisamy and Lohith NK. Jagadish is one of the close associates of actor Vijay. With Pooja Hegde playing opposite Vijay in the lead, the makers wrapped up the shooting for the project on June 2.
Industry sources say that the makers wanted to shoot a piece or a dialogue that would etch in the minds of the people forever, even after Vijay quits his cinema career. The last scene was shot without much fanfare, but a heartfelt and significant scene with Vijay saying goodbye. The farewell scene marks the end of his 33-year cinema journey from Malaya Theerpu to Jana Nayagan. However none of the photos or scenes shot on the last day, from the sets, was released for the fans.
Meanwhile, the Thug Life ban in Karnataka and the social media campaign in Tamil Nadu seeking to block the release of Jana Nayagan have upset Vijay fans in the state. Jana Nayagan, scheduled to be released on January 9, 2026, marks the end of Vijay’s cinema career, as he has taken an active plunge in politics. Jana Nayagan apparently is the first Tamil film bankrolled by the Karnataka production house. The film, which will be released just ahead of the assembly general elections in Tamil Nadu, is expected to be a major political propaganda tool for Vijay and his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
The film earlier got into a controversy when there were claims that the makers violated the plastic ban in Kodaikanal during shoot.
