Pooja Hegde has officially completed her shooting schedule for the highly anticipated film Jana Nayagan, starring Thalapathy Vijay. The actress shared the news on her social media on June 15, 2025, marking the end of her contribution to what is expected to be a significant film in Vijay's career, as it is intended to be his last before fully transitioning into politics.
Jana Nayagan, directed by H. Vinoth, is a political action thriller produced by KVN Productions. The film has garnered considerable attention not only because it marks Vijay's final on-screen appearance before his political career but also because of its ensemble cast and high production value. The movie is slated for a worldwide release on January 9, 2026, coinciding with the Pongal festivities, a period known for big Tamil cinema releases.
This film marks Pooja Hegde's second collaboration with Vijay, the first being in the action film Beast (2022). In a recent interview, Hegde expressed her excitement about working with Vijay again, praising his grounded nature and professionalism, noting how smoothly he makes everything feel on set. She also shared that she feels a sense of sadness that this is Vijay's last film as she loves to watch his films and that it should be treated as a celebration.
Besides Vijay and Pooja Hegde, Jana Nayagan boasts a stellar cast, including Bobby Deol as the main antagonist, marking his second Tamil film after Kanguva (2024). The film also features Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj, Narain, Priyamani, Shruti Haasan, and Mamitha Baiju in prominent roles. This impressive lineup has raised expectations for a compelling narrative and strong performances.
The film's music is being composed by Anirudh Ravichander, known for his previous collaborations with Vijay in films like Kaththi, Master, Beast, and Leo. Adding to the musical landscape, rapper Hanumankind has confirmed lending his voice to a high-energy track in the film, further stirring excitement among fans.
While specific plot details are still under wraps, Jana Nayagan is anticipated to be a gripping political thriller. Initial glimpses and posters have hinted at a mass leader role for Vijay, with elements of activism and social reform. One poster recreated Vijay's iconic selfie from the sets of Master, while another featured him wielding a whip, accompanied by the tagline "Naan Aanai Ittaal" (an iconic song of late actor-politician MG Ramachandran).
The technical crew includes cinematographer Sathyan Sooryan, editor Pradeep E. Ragav, stunt choreographer Anl Arasu, art director V. Selvakumar, and costume designer Pallavi Singh.
With Vijay's departure from cinema to focus on his political aspirations, Jana Nayagan is more than just a film; it symbolizes the end of an era for his fans. Vijay has stated his commitment to working for the welfare of the people through his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), with plans to contest in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
As the film heads into post-production, anticipation builds for the release of the first glimpse, potentially coinciding with Vijay's 51st birthday on June 22, 2025. The film is expected to be a significant cinematic event, marking the culmination of Vijay's illustrious acting career and the beginning of his journey in politics.
