From legal roadblocks and political backlash to street protests and censorship debates, Thalapathy Vijay’s films have rarely enjoyed a smooth run to the big screen. Time and again, his projects have faced intense scrutiny even before release. Yet, almost paradoxically, these controversies have only fuelled curiosity, strengthened fan mobilisation, and translated into massive box-office momentum.
As Jana Nayagan now finds itself in the spotlight amid reported censor-related concerns, it is worth revisiting the many pre-release battles Vijay has faced over the years and how his unwavering fan support has helped most of these films rise above the noise and emerge as commercial successes.
Kaavalan encountered last-minute hurdles in Tamil Nadu, reportedly due to law-and-order concerns, delaying its release despite strong anticipation.
Thuppakki faced protests and legal pressure over its title and certain scenes that were perceived as sensitive, turning its release into a tense affair even before audiences stepped into theatres.
Thalaivaa became one of Vijay’s most turbulent release chapters when its Tamil Nadu release was abruptly stalled amid political tension and law-and-order issues, leaving fans waiting in uncertainty.
Kaththi saw intense protests ahead of its release, linked to Sri Lankan Tamil sentiments and alleged political associations of the production house, making its arrival highly contentious.
Puli, a fantasy epic mounted on a massive scale, struggled with financial and distribution challenges during release week, resulting in show cancellations in several centres.
Mersal turned into a political flashpoint after its release, with backlash over dialogues that criticised GST and demonetisation, sparking nationwide debate far beyond cinema halls.
Sarkar faced protests and legal complaints even before release, largely due to its bold political undertones, once again placing Vijay at the centre of controversy.
Master had to fight a completely different battle. Released during the COVID-19 pandemic, the film faced reduced theatre occupancy, delays, and legal challenges over special screening permissions, yet still managed to draw audiences back to cinemas.
Varisu proved that numbers speak louder than narratives. Despite a high-stakes box-office clash and a relatively low initial theatre count, the film went on to triumph commercially.
Leo encountered its own set of hurdles, including restrictions on early-morning shows in Tamil Nadu, strict caps on ticket pricing, and limitations on show counts, even as anticipation remained sky-high.
Now, Jana Nayagan has reportedly joined this long list, with discussions surrounding certification delays and content sensitivity once again testing the film’s release plans.
Issues may come. Obstacles may repeat. But every challenge seems to only reinforce Vijay’s legacy. Being Thalapathy has never been easy and perhaps that is exactly why his journey continues to resonate so powerfully with millions.
Source / Image Credit : filmbeat
