With the highly anticipated release of Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan just a week away, director H Vinoth has broken his silence on the swirling rumours and shared fascinating insights into the making of the superstar's final cinematic venture before his full-time political plunge.
Addressing the Bhagavanth Kesari Remake Speculation
In a candid conversation with Cinema Vikatan, Vinoth directly tackled the persistent speculation that Jana Nayagan is a remake of the 2023 Telugu blockbuster Bhagavanth Kesari, starring Nandamuri Balakrishna. The director offered a nuanced response, urging audiences not to be concerned. "I'll repeat what I said at the music launch. Whether this story is a remake of Bhagavanth Kesari, or whether a few scenes were adapted, or even if just one scene was inspired by it—whatever it is, audiences need not worry about that," Vinoth stated.
He further appealed to fans, saying, "This is a Thalapathy Vijay film. Some people might think, 'I have already seen the original, why should I watch this?' Others may even get upset. To them, I say—just watch one show. You'll have your answer." The director added that while he couldn't confirm or deny the rumours outright, the film's teasers, trailers, and songs would provide more clarity.
A Gruelling 100-Day Schedule with Vijay's Unmatched Dedication
Vinoth revealed impressive details about the film's production timeline. Jana Nayagan was shot over an intensive 100-day schedule, with Vijay himself present on set for a remarkable 84 of those days. Reflecting on this experience, the filmmaker marvelled, "It was like watching 84 Vijay films."
His praise for the actor went beyond star power. Vinoth highlighted Vijay's profound technical knowledge, calling him a "complete star actor" and a "true director." "He knows more than a director should know about lighting, lenses, and shot sequencing. Along with the joy of working with a mass hero, I also have the satisfaction of working with someone who understands every aspect of direction. That's why I say that every day we shot with him felt like watching a new film," Vinoth elaborated.
The Genesis of a Finale and a Mysterious Title
The project's origin story is rooted in a specific mission. Vinoth shared that the idea emerged during discussions with producer Sudhan of Passion Studios and his friend Santosh. "They told me they were looking for a story for Vijay sir's last film," he recalled. He immediately contacted Vijay's manager, Jagadish, to confirm, then met Vijay to narrate the story, which the star liked immensely, giving birth to Jana Nayagan.
When probed about the film's title, Vinoth playfully teased, "You will understand the reason for the title only after watching the film. If you want more details about the story, give me Rs 500 crore and I'll tell you." He confirmed that Vijay will be seen in the role of a police officer in the film.
The emotional weight of this being Vijay's last film was underscored at the grand audio launch in Malaysia, where the actor told his fans, "I am giving up cinema for the fans who gave up everything for me." Jana Nayagan is scheduled for a worldwide release on January 9, 2026, marking the end of an era for one of Tamil cinema's biggest superstars.
