Jana Nayagan row: Vijay's father SA Chandrasekhar reveals son had foreseen political, release challenges

Vijay and father

S. A. Chandrasekhar has opened up about the controversy surrounding his son Vijay's film Jana Nayagan, revealing that the actor had already anticipated the challenges the project would face.

Vijay's father talks about Jana Nayagan's controversy

In a recent interview, Chandrasekhar said he was not surprised by the series of setbacks that delayed the film's release. From difficulties in obtaining certification from the Central Board of Film Certification to the shocking online leak, the film has been caught in multiple controversies since early 2026.

According to him, Vijay had foreseen these hurdles even before the film went on floors, especially because of his political entry with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Recalling a conversation from the film's audio launch, Chandrasekhar said Vijay had warned the producers in advance. "Don't say you didn't expect the problems," he quoted his son as saying, adding, "You are making a film when I am heading to politics… I hope you are aware of the hurdles."

He emphasised that the team was mentally prepared for disruptions, noting, "If the film had been released without any hurdles, we would have been surprised."

Jana Nayagan, which reportedly carries political undertones and references to Vijay's party, has faced delays since January. Apart from censorship issues, the film was leaked online ahead of release, leading to widespread piracy and legal action. Authorities have since made multiple arrests in connection with the leak, highlighting the scale of the breach.

All about the leak controversy

The leak controversy also sparked speculation about possible political involvement, though Chandrasekhar dismissed such claims as mere conjecture. He described the situation as part of a broader pattern, stating that "it is natural" for people to suspect various angles during such incidents, but cautioned against jumping to conclusions.

Despite the turbulence, Chandrasekhar maintained that his son was fully aware of the risks involved in balancing cinema and politics. With Vijay preparing to contest elections, the film's timing has further complicated its release prospects.

Ultimately, his remarks underline that the ongoing issues surrounding Jana Nayagan were neither unexpected nor entirely avoidable. For Vijay and his team, the film's troubled journey appears to be a consequence of its politically charged context as much as external factors like piracy and certification delays.