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

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.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.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.— The Hindu - Chennai (@THChennai) July 23, 2026Minister 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.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.In Pictures: Tamil Nadu CM Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' opens to fan frenzyStar worship: A fan pours milk over Vijay's poster as part of the first-day celebrations of the Tamil movie 'Jana Nayagan' at a theatre in Ramanathapuram.Ecstatic fans wave the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) flag at Casino Theatre in Chennai during the celebrations of the release of Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan'. A variety of Vijay posters were on display during the FDFS celebrations of 'Jana Nayagan' at Rohini Silver Screens in Chennai. Fan Fervour: Fans wear headbands bearing the title of Vijay's final film. 'Jana Nayagan' opened to a massive response in Tamil Nadu. A huge garland adorns a poster of Vijay at a theatre in Ramanathapuram as fans turned up in large numbers to watch 'Jana Nayagan'. Selfie time: Fans in Chennai pose for a picture in front of a poster of 'Jana Nayagan', Vijay's last movie directed by H. VinothA sea of fans gathers at Rohini Silver Screens in Chennai for the first-day-first-show of 'Jana Nayagan'. Scenes of celebrations by fans and TVK supporters in Ramanathapuram on the day of release of JanaNayagan movie that marks the end of TamilNadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s acting career.Traditional touch: A group of 'chenda' drummers participate in the opening day celebrations of ‘Jana Nayagan' starring Vijay.One last dance: Die-hard fans of Vijay dance and enjoy the celebrations at the Casino Theatre in Chennai ahead of the first show of 'Jana Nayagan'. A huge cutout of Vijay at the Casino Theatre in Chennai on the release-day of 'Jana Nayagan', the political actioner directed by H. Vinoth. At the Albert Theatre in Chennai, fans celebrate the release of 'Jana Nayagan' with the customary practice of pouring milk over the cutout of Tamil Nadu CM and superstar Vijay. Tamil Nadu Minister for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) P. Mathan Raja cutting a cake at Ganapathy theatre in Udhagamandalam for the release of ‘Jana Nayagan’ movie on Thursday.1/3Meanwhile, 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