Jana Nayagan crosses 1 Million BookMyShow interests amid censor row
Despite facing certification hurdles and an uncertain release date, Vijay’s Jana Nayagan has crossed one million interests on BookMyShow, reflecting strong pre-release audience anticipation.
Even as Jana Nayagan remains entangled in a certification dispute that has delayed its theatrical debut, the much-anticipated film starring Thalapathy Vijay has generated extraordinary buzz among audiences. The movie has crossed the one million “I’m interested” markers on BookMyShow ahead of ticket sales – a rare achievement given the ongoing release uncertainty.
Originally slated for a January 9th release to coincide with the Pongal festival, Jana Nayagan encountered last-minute hurdles when it failed to secure a censor certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Instead of the expected UA rating, the film was referred to a revising committee, upending release plans and leaving theaters without a confirmed launch date.
Despite the setbacks, audience enthusiasm has remained remarkably high. Over one million users on BookMyShow have already indicated interest in viewing the film, approaching figures seen for Vijay’s 2023 hit Leo, which recorded approximately 1.1 million interests on the same platform. This surge of online anticipation, without confirmed advance ticket sales underscores Vijay’s enduring box office appeal.
The film’s legal battle over certification continues to unfold in court. After an initial order from a single-judge bench of the Madras High Court to grant a UA certificate, a division bench stayed the decision, prompting the producers to appeal to the Supreme Court. Last week, the apex court declined to expedite clearance and directed the case back to the Madras High Court, with the next hearing scheduled later this month.
Jana Nayagan is directed by H. Vinoth and features an ensemble cast including Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, Mamitha Baiju, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Priyamani, Prakash Raj, Revathy and Narain. Music for the film is composed by Anirudh, while cinematography and editing are handled by Sathyan Sooryan and Pradeep E Ragav respectively.
Industry observers say the strong pre-release interest reflects not only Vijay’s star power but also the narrative weight of the film as his final project before full-time political engagement. For now, fans and exhibitors alike are watching closely as the certification issue moves through the legal system and a release window gradually takes shape.
The hearing in the Jana Nayagan case is set to resume before the Madras High Court tomorrow, January 20th.
