Vijay alleges ‘joint conspiracy’ behind stalling of ‘Jana Nayagan’ release

After maintaining silence for three months, actor and Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay has finally addressed the prolonged controversy surrounding his final film Jana Nayagan.

Speaking to supporters moments after filing his nomination papers for the Tiruchi East constituency on Thursday (April 2), Vijay claimed that powerful forces had orchestrated a “joint conspiracy” to block the film’s release, fearing it could emerge as a “powerful weapon” ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections on April 23.

Nayagan’s uncertain fate

The film, directed by H Vinoth and projected as Vijay’s final film before his full-time plunge into politics, was originally slated for a theatrical release on January 9. However, it remains uncertified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

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The Board demanded a re-examination, prompting the team to approach the Chennai High Court for urgent clearance. The CBFC then appealed the matter, further stalling proceedings. In the final twist tied directly to the polls, the Board reportedly consulted the Election Commission over alleged political dialogues in the movie, raising fears of electoral influence.

Vijay blames ‘parties’

Addressing a charged crowd in Tiruchi East, Vijay framed the delay not as a routine certification hurdle but as a calculated political move. “They conspired jointly fearing that the film Jana Nayagan might become the biggest weapon in this election,” he said. “For the injustice done to me, along with you, I seek justice and fairness from you, trusting you.”

He added pointedly, “If I don’t ask you for a chance, who else would I ask? I have that right. They think our last film Jana Nayagan might become a big weapon in the election, so a joint conspiracy is happening. I, who came seeking justice for you, also need justice.”

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Vijay was careful not to name the CBFC or the BJP-led central government directly, instead accusing “parties” of banding together to target him. “Parties have come together, and there’s no need for me to tell you how they oppose your Vijay... If that film becomes a powerful weapon in this election, all this is a joint conspiracy,” he declared.

‘Don’t trust DMK, don’t trust BJP’

The remarks come as Vijay ramps up his campaign on multiple fronts. He filed his nomination in Tiruchi East under the watchful eye of election officer Muthu Murugesan Pandian, then paid floral tributes at the MG Ramachandran statue in Tiruchi Marakkadai before launching into a fiery roadshow.

In the same address, he launched a blistering attack on Chief Minister MK Stalin described the DMK as a “half khadi alliance, half saffron alliance”, a jab at what he sees as opportunistic ties between the DMK and the BJP.

“Don’t trust DMK, don’t trust BJP. But you can trust me 100 per cent,” Vijay told voters, listing unfulfilled DMK promises on gas schemes, petrol prices, NEET abolition, and job creation. He highlighted everyday woes like gas cylinder shortages crippling small businesses and accused the government of massive corruption in urban development.

Bureaucratic caution or political sabotage?

The Jana Nayagan controversy has simmered since early January, with fans and critics alike questioning why Vijay, known for his massive star power, had not spoken out sooner. Many urged him to prioritise the film’s fate amid heavy pre-release promotions and a swift wrap of shooting.

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TVK insiders maintain the film will hit the screens by the end of April, once the election dust settles. Whether the delay was bureaucratic caution or political sabotage remains a hotly debated topic on Tamil social media and in film circles.

Political analyst Kanniappan Elangovan told The Federal, “Vijay, the actor who attracts and draws in lakhs of people, has now slowly begun to reveal his politician face. His accusation that the BJP and DMK have an indirect alliance may gradually catch on among the public. In true cinematic style, Vijay portrays himself as the innocent one while painting the currently ruling and previously ruling parties as the villains, and his fan base will thoroughly enjoy it.”