‘Jana Nayagan’ piracy row: Cable operator booked for illegal screening of Vijay’s film

A case has been reportedly registered against a local cable operator, Palanisamy, for illegally leaking Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader C Joseph Vijay’s big-budget film ‘Jana Nayagan’ online. 

As per reports, officials seized four hard disks and a computer, with further action currently in progress.

On Sunday, the Cyber Crime Wing of Tamil Nadu Police arrested six individuals, two days after the highly anticipated film surfaced online, triggering outrage within the film industry and raising serious concerns over digital piracy.

Reports citing police sources state that the arrested persons are suspected to be part of a network involved in unlawfully accessing, copying, and circulating the film, which is reportedly made on a staggering budget of ₹500 crore.

Investigators are now probing whether the leak originated from within the production or post-production chain, or through external hacking methods. 

The controversy surrounding 'Jana Nayagan' had already been intensifying even before the leak. The film's theatrical release has been stalled after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) raised multiple objections, reportedly related to politically sensitive content and certain scenes deemed contentious.

The production house has reportedly filed a formal complaint naming 21 individuals allegedly linked to the piracy operation and has warned of significant financial losses due to the leak. Officials are now working with digital platforms to remove pirated copies and prevent further circulation.