Did CM Vijay call Venkat K Narayana back from Cannes for Jana Nayagan release? Here’s what we know so far

Fresh speculation surrounding Vijay’s delayed film Jana Nayagan has taken over social media after reports claimed that the newly sworn-in Tamil Nadu Chief Minister personally asked producer Venkat K Narayana to return from the Cannes Film Festival to speed up the movie’s release process.

However, conflicting reports have now emerged regarding whether the producer has actually left Cannes or remains there for ongoing film commitments.

Reports claimed Vijay intervened after becoming CM

Soon after Vijay took oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister earlier this week, several reports suggested that the actor-politician had reopened discussions surrounding Jana Nayagan’s stalled release. According to a report in India Today, Vijay allegedly contacted Venkat K Narayana and asked him to return to Chennai immediately to focus on the film’s pending CBFC certification and release formalities.

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The film, directed by H. Vinoth, was originally scheduled to hit theatres during Pongal 2026 but got delayed due to certification hurdles and legal complications involving the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

Some reports even claimed that Vijay was personally trying to ensure that his final film before full-time politics finally reaches audiences after months of uncertainty.

Producer reportedly still in Cannes

Amid the growing buzz, a new report by Cinema Express stated that Venkat K Narayana is still at the Cannes Film Festival and has not returned to Chennai yet. Sources close to the producer reportedly confirmed that he continues to remain in France for the screening of another production venture, Balan the Boy, at the Marché du Film.

This has now cast doubt on earlier claims that the producer had already cut short his Cannes trip following Vijay’s alleged request. As of now, neither Vijay nor KVN Productions has officially commented on the reports.

Why Jana Nayagan got delayed

Jana Nayagan has faced multiple setbacks over the past few months. The film’s censor certification process reportedly got stuck after objections were raised regarding certain portions of the movie, leading to legal proceedings in the Madras High Court and later further complications involving the CBFC revising committee.

The project suffered another major blow in April after the film was leaked online before release, triggering piracy concerns and reportedly impacting distribution and OTT negotiations.

Investigations into the leak are still ongoing, with multiple arrests already made in connection with the case.

Vijay’s final film before politics

Jana Nayagan is widely being promoted as Vijay’s farewell film before fully transitioning into politics through his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. The film also stars Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol and Mamitha Baiju in key roles.

With anticipation remaining high among fans, speculation surrounding the film’s release has only intensified after Vijay’s elevation to the Chief Minister’s office. However, for now, there is still no official confirmation on when Jana Nayagan will finally hit theatres.