Top Tamil star Vijay’s highly anticipated film Jana Nayagan has been leaked online in high definition (HD) ahead of its theatrical release. The film, which has been stuck at the censor board since January, is awaiting a release date. It also marks Thalapathy Vijay`s farewell film as he devotes his life to politics. Amid this, several celebrities have spoken up against piracy and the need to catch the culprits.
Rajinikanth reacts to Jana Nayagan leak
On Friday, superstar Rajinikanth also took to social media to express his disappointment at the leak and urged strict action.
He took to X and wrote in Tamil, “The release of the Jana Nayagan on the internet by someone has caused shock and pain. Film associations must raise their voice against this, and the government must identify those responsible and impose severe punishment. Such crimes must not be allowed to continue in the future.”
ஜனநாயகன் திரைப்படம் இணையத்தில் யாராலோ வெளியிடப்பட்டிருப்பது அதிர்ச்சியையும்,வேதனையையும் அளிக்கிறது.
திரை அமைப்புகள் இதற்கு எதிராகக் குரல் எழுப்பி, அரசு இதைச் செய்தவர்களைக் கண்டுபிடித்து கடுமையான தண்டனை அளிக்க வேண்டும்.
இது போன்ற குற்றம் இனியும் தொடரக்கூடாது.
— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) April 10, 2026
Kamal Haasan blames certification delay
Kamal Haasan also penned a strongly worded note on X following the Jana Nayagan online fiasco. He said that had the film been released on time, this would not have happened. He wrote, “The leak of #Jananayagan is not an accident – it is the result of systemic failure. Had due process been timely, we would not be here. Inordinate delays in certification created fertile ground for piracy. When legal access is stalled, illegitimate channels take over.”
He further wrote, “Piracy is beyond politics; it is an attack on the art and artist itself. It endangers the work of hundreds of artists and technicians, and the investments of honest tax-paying producers, exhibitors and theatre owners, all who sustain the cinema we love. Who protects the creator when the system fails? We need accountability, swift certification, strict enforcement, and real-time takedowns. I trust true lovers of cinema will unite and give a befitting response by watching the film legally in theatres, as you stood with me in the past.”
The leak of #Jananayagan is not an accident – it is the result of systemic failure. Had due process been timely, we would not be here. Inordinate delays in certification created fertile ground for piracy. When legal access is stalled, illegitimate channels take over.
Piracy is…— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) April 10, 2026
Actor Suriya also took to X to condemn the leak. “Heartbreaking and unfair — an entire team’s passion reduced to this. I request you all with honesty, please don’t watch, share, or discuss the film here. Respect their work. I stand with my friends and condemn the act, it’s unforgivable,” he wrote.
Heartbreaking and unfair — an entire team’s passion reduced to this. I request you all with honesty, please don’t watch, share, or discuss the film here. Respect their work. I stand with my friends and condemn the act, it’s unforgivable!#JanaNayagan
— Suriya Sivakumar (@Suriya_offl) April 10, 2026
About the leak
The leak comes at a particularly sensitive time for the project, which has been mired in a months-long legal battle with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
While Vijay`s fans are urging each other on various social media platforms not to circulate the link online, some netizens speculate that the political theme of the film might have contributed to the timing of the leak.
Originally slated for a January 10 release, the film was delayed after the board initially refused certification following a complaint about its alleged objectionable portrayal of the defence forces.
The makers recently withdrew their writ petition from the Madras High Court to pursue a resolution through the board`s revising panel.
Jana Nayagan, featuring an ensemble cast including Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, and Prakash Raj, is widely touted as Vijay`s final film before he transitions fully into active politics.
Trade analysts fear the leak could cause significant financial losses to distributors who have been waiting for the theatrical debut for months.
