Ministers, MLAs turn emotional as CM Vijay-starrer Jana Nayagan releases in Tamil Nadu

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Considered Mr. Vijay’s swansong before his transition to full-time politics, Jana Nayagan, which was originally expected to be released ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, hit the screens on July 23

Updated - July 23, 2026 07:17 pm IST - CHENNAI

Screengrab of Minister for Labour Welfare and Skill Development J. Mohamed Farvas breaking into tears during the screening of ‘Jana Nayagan’ in Pudukkottai on July 23, 2026 | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The release of Jana Nayagan, starring Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, drew several Ministers and MLAs to theatres across Tamil Nadu on Thursday (July 23, 2026), with many of them turning emotional during the screenings.

Considered Mr. Vijay’s swansong before his transition to full-time politics, Jana Nayagan, which was originally expected to be released ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, hit the screens on Thursday after a prolonged legal battle to obtain the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) clearance.

Fans of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay celebrating the release of Jana Nayagan at Albert Theatre in Chennai on July 23, 2026. | Photo Credit: R. Ragu

In Chennai, TVK general secretary and Minister for Rural Development and Water Resources N. Anand, and the party’s general secretary (policy and propaganda) and Minister for Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare K.G. Arunraj watched the film at Rohini Theatre in Koyambedu. Mr. Anand turned emotional during a scene in the film. Legislative Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar watched the film at Sathyam Cinemas.

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In Coimbatore, Minister for Prohibition and Excise K. Vignesh and Minister for Backward Classes Welfare V. Sampath Kumar watched the film in theatres packed with Mr. Vijay’s fans. Mr. Vignesh broke down in tears at the end of the screening at Arasan Cinemas in Podanur, while a video showed Mr. Kumar weeping during the screening at Karpagam Theatres on 100 Feet Road.

In Gobichettipalayam, Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management K.A. Sengottaiyan distributed sweets to the public outside a theatre after watching the film. In Arakkonam, fans gathered in large numbers at a theatre where Minister for Cooperation V. Gandhiraj watched the film. They also made him dance with them. In Kancheepuram, Minister for Non-Resident Tamils Welfare K. Thennarasu watched the film and described its release as a festival for Mr. Vijay’s fans.

Minister for Labour Welfare and Skill Development J. Mohamed Farvas also became emotional during a screening in Pudukkottai. Minister for Handlooms, Textiles and Khadi M. Vijay Balaji and several MLAs were also seen turning emotional during the film.

#JanaNayagan | #TamilNadu Labour Minister J. Mohamed Farvas breaks into tears as he watches Chief Minister C. Joseph #Vijay-starrer Jana Nayagan at Vijay Theatre in #Pudukottai on the day of the movie's release, on Thursday.Videos: Special Arrangement pic.twitter.com/NtRv6ql2Rt— The Hindu - Chennai (@THChennai) July 23, 2026

Madurai North Assembly Constituency TVK MLA Kallanai joined the fans of Vijay and watched the movie at a cinema house in Madurai. He distributed helmets to some of the youth and appealed to them to obey traffic rules.

Madurai West MLA Thangapandian said that he watched the movie and opined that CM Vijay should continue acting as cinema was a powerful medium to reach the masses.

Meanwhile, the Secretariat in Chennai, which is usually bustling with visitors, witnessed lighter footfall than usual on Thursday. Mr. Vijay, who has made it a practice to discharge his official duties as Chief Minister from the Secretariat on working days, was not present. However, a few Ministers discharged their official duties as usual from the Secretariat.

Published - July 23, 2026 06:34 pm IST

Tamil cinema / Tamil Nadu / Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam

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