The anticipation for superstar Vijay's final cinematic outing, 'Jana Nayagan', has triggered an unprecedented frenzy in the Indian film trade, even before its first public show. The film's sky-high advance ticket prices, driven by its 'farewell factor', have reshaped audience behaviour and exhibitor strategies, sparking intense debate across the industry.
Bengaluru Leads the Pricing Frenzy
Karnataka, particularly Bengaluru, has become the epicentre of this pricing surge. Despite the inflated rates typically reserved for major international films, morning shows sold out within minutes. At Mukunda Theatre, the 6:30 am show on the opening day was priced at an astonishing Rs 1,800 and Rs 2,000 and was completely sold out almost instantly.
Several other prominent theatres, including Swagath Shankar Nag, Sri Vinayaka, Cinephile HSR Layout, Gopalan Grand Mall, and Brundha RGB, also reported full houses. Their morning shows were priced between Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500. Even the lowest-priced tickets in some locations were around Rs 800, setting a new benchmark for Tamil film releases.
CBFC Delay Puts Tamil Nadu Bookings on Hold
In stark contrast to the frenzy in Karnataka and Kerala, Tamil Nadu audiences are still waiting. Ticket sales in the star's home state are on hold, awaiting clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Industry insiders indicate that certain changes have been suggested by the board, leading exhibitors to adopt a cautious, wait-and-watch approach to avoid last-minute logistical chaos.
For now, advance sales are restricted to Karnataka, Kerala, and international markets. These regions have become the crucial pulse points for gauging the film's initial reception. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, there is a careful strategy being employed for the domestic market rollout amidst soaring online demand.
A Stark Regional Price Disparity
The regional contrast in pricing is glaring. While Bengaluru sees tickets touch ₹2000, in Kochi, the highest available fare is a comparatively modest ₹350. Major metropolitan markets like Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi are yet to open their advance booking windows. Once they do, a significant price hike is expected, mirroring the trend seen in Karnataka.
Scheduled for a January 9 Pongal release, the H Vinoth directorial features Vijay alongside Mamitha Baiju, Pooja Hegde, and Bobby Deol. Marketed not just as a festival film but as a once-in-a-lifetime cinematic event marking the star's farewell, the ticket prices themselves narrate the story of immense fan devotion and a historic send-off.
The advance booking windows have effectively become a litmus test, revealing just how far fans are willing to go to be part of what is being billed as Vijay's final big-screen chapter.
