After the full print (reports vary on this) of actor-politician Vijay’s "Jana Nayagan" was leaked online, Vijay fans, serious cinephiles and netizens demanded that the filmmakers take strict action against those responsible for the leak.
The two reigning titans of Tamil cinema, Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth, condemned the incident, calling it an "attack on art and the artist," while urging the government to take necessary measures to curb such lapses.
"The leak of Jana Nayagan is not an accident - it is the result of systemic failure," wrote Kamal Haasan in a social media note. "Had due process been timely, we would not be here. Inordinate delays in certification created fertile ground for piracy. When legal access is stalled, illegitimate channels take over."
He further added, "Piracy is beyond politics; it is an attack on the art and artist itself. It endangers the work of hundreds of artists and technicians, and the investments of honest tax-paying producers, exhibitors and theatre owners, all who sustain the cinema we love. Who protects the creator when the system fails? We need accountability, swift certification, strict enforcement, and real-time takedowns. I trust true lovers of cinema will unite and give a befitting response by watching the film legally in theatres, as you stood with me in the past."
Meanwhile, Rajinikanth said the incident is shocking and painful, and urged film associations to "raise their voice against this, and the government must identify those responsible and impose severe punishment."
"Such crimes must not be allowed to continue in the future," he added.
Directed by H. Vinoth and produced by KVN Productions, "Jana Nayagan" had been beset by multiple release delays, and the makers were all set to release it during Pongal this year, before the elections. However, the release was further obstructed by censorship woes. Latest reports had said that the it would not be out until after the elections. Vijay had announced that it was to be his final film before he devoted his full-time attention to politics.
Reportedly a Tamil adaptation of Nandamuri Balakrishna-starrer "Bhagavanth Kesari", the action thriller is headlined by Vijay, Mamitha Baiju, and Bobby Deol, among others.