For a moment, step into the shoes of filmmaker H Vinoth. You get the opportunity to direct ‘Thalapathy’ Vijay, in a politically-laden film that will mark his transformation from actor to politician. You make the film with the backing of KVN Productions, and just as you eagerly await its release during Pongal, it snowballs into a controversy. The delay in the censor certification indefinitely pushes the film’s release, and the subsequent legal battle makes one wonder if it will ever release at all. And, as if this isn’t enought to test your resolve, the film leaks online even before it arrives in theatres. On one hand, Vijay takes oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and on the other, your labour of love is being illegally watched by millions.That Jana Nayagan finally hits screens on July 23 should have been joyous for Vinoth; except, it is not. “I have mixed feelings. On one hand, I am happy that we have received the censor certificate, but also sad that we got an A-certificate. I am happy that the film is releasing, but I am also waiting to see if audiences will come to theatres to watch a film that was leaked. The bookings are strong, so I am hoping that people will support the film,” says Vinoth in a chat ahead of the film’s release. If there was a silver lining to the controversy surrounding Jana Nayagan, it was the show of support the film got from across the Indian film industry. “Many industry colleagues reached out to me. I also understand that a few others might have hesitated, fearing political pressure. But I thank all of them, including those who kept me in their thoughts,” says Vinoth.