‘First show’ tickets had been sold for as high as ₹500 to ₹700 in certain pockets of Tamil Nadu.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Despite having been leaked online ahead of its theatrical release, Jana Nayagan, starring Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, has witnessed strong advance ticket sales across Chennai and its neighbouring districts, though the response has been mixed in other parts of Tamil Nadu.While some cinemas reported a full house over the weekend, others said bookings were highest for the opening day (July 23, 2026), with Friday witnessing a comparatively low demand. Cinema owners added that bookings had been driven largely by members of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), youngsters associated with Mr. Vijay’s fan club, and Gen Z movie-goers.‘First show’ tickets had been sold for as high as ₹500 to ₹700 in certain pockets of the State.“The film will have a bumper opening as it is Chief Minister Vijay’s last film. The bookings have been phenomenal. The bookings have been good in Kerala, too,” film industry analyst Sreedhar Pillai said.“The film has received an ‘A’ certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). This means children will not be allowed to watch it. Mr. Vijay’s fan base has traditionally been children and families.” Mr. Pillai added. Multiplexes, in particular, have always enforced the certification norms and they do not allow minors to enter screenings.P. Dinesh Kumar, proprietor of Guru Theatre in Madurai, said, “Bookings are looking good until Sunday. People in Madurai are doubly excited to watch the movie. They come to cinemas for the experience and the atmosphere, which cannot be replicated online.”The response from cinema owners in Madurai and Tiruchi regions was similar. S. Kumar, Relationship Manager of Broadway Cinemas Coimbatore, said bookings had been good so far.“Jana Nayagan has generated extraordinary excitement among audiences. The response in Tamil Nadu has been particularly remarkable, with tickets sold out for the opening weekend in cinemas across the State. With over 3 lakh advance bookings already sold, we are witnessing an exceptionally strong momentum across key markets nationwide,” said Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, Executive Director, PVR INOX Limited.According to data shared by trade tracker Sacnilk (on its web portal), Jana Nayagan has sold 7.37 lakh tickets nationwide, and grossed ₹16.78 crore in advance bookings across 9,566 shows.In Pictures: Tamil Nadu CM Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' opens to fan frenzyStar worship: A fan pours milk over Vijay's poster as part of the first-day celebrations of the Tamil movie 'Jana Nayagan' at a theatre in Ramanathapuram.Ecstatic fans wave the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) flag at Casino Theatre in Chennai during the celebrations of the release of Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan'. A variety of Vijay posters were on display during the FDFS celebrations of 'Jana Nayagan' at Rohini Silver Screens in Chennai. Fan Fervour: Fans wear headbands bearing the title of Vijay's final film. 'Jana Nayagan' opened to a massive response in Tamil Nadu. A huge garland adorns a poster of Vijay at a theatre in Ramanathapuram as fans turned up in large numbers to watch 'Jana Nayagan'. Selfie time: Fans in Chennai pose for a picture in front of a poster of 'Jana Nayagan', Vijay's last movie directed by H. VinothA sea of fans gathers at Rohini Silver Screens in Chennai for the first-day-first-show of 'Jana Nayagan'. Scenes of celebrations by fans and TVK supporters in Ramanathapuram on the day of release of JanaNayagan movie that marks the end of TamilNadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s acting career.Traditional touch: A group of 'chenda' drummers participate in the opening day celebrations of ‘Jana Nayagan' starring Vijay.One last dance: Die-hard fans of Vijay dance and enjoy the celebrations at the Casino Theatre in Chennai ahead of the first show of 'Jana Nayagan'. A huge cutout of Vijay at the Casino Theatre in Chennai on the release-day of 'Jana Nayagan', the political actioner directed by H. Vinoth. At the Albert Theatre in Chennai, fans celebrate the release of 'Jana Nayagan' with the customary practice of pouring milk over the cutout of Tamil Nadu CM and superstar Vijay. Tamil Nadu Minister for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) P. Mathan Raja cutting a cake at Ganapathy theatre in Udhagamandalam for the release of ‘Jana Nayagan’ movie on Thursday.1/3Revenue-sharing rowOn Wednesday night, some cinemas in Chennai and in certain towns said they would not screen Jana Nayagan, citing disagreements with distributors over sharing of revenue.“For Tamil cinema, last-minute release day disputes have almost become routine. From revenue sharing arrangements to screening terms, disagreements between distributors and exhibitors have often cast a shadow over big-ticket releases, before being resolved at the eleventh hour,” said a cinema owner in Salem. Sources in the industry hinted that distributors were asking for a 70%-75% share, rather than the usual 65%-70%. Published - July 23, 2026 12:33 am IST
