Vijay's Jana Nayagan Shows Halted in Chennai as Minors Enter A Rated Screenings

Vijay's blockbuster Jana Nayagan is continuing its dream run at the box office, but Sunday morning witnessed an unexpected drama off screen. Several shows of the A certified action entertainer were halted, delayed and even cancelled across Chennai after theatre staff discovered minors inside auditoriums, forcing police and multiplex management to step in.

The biggest disruption unfolded during the 9:25 am show at PVR Cinemas, Ampa Mall. Barely 10 minutes into the film, police officials entered the auditorium after noticing children watching the adults only film. According to videos and eyewitness accounts shared on social media, the screening remained paused for nearly an hour while parents argued with theatre management over the rule. The issue was finally resolved after refunds were announced for affected viewers and families with children were escorted out before the movie resumed.

A similar situation played out at PVR Grand Mall, where scheduled screenings were reportedly delayed or temporarily cancelled after underage viewers were found inside the theatre. Social media was soon flooded with comments from moviegoers claiming the same issue had occurred at multiple Chennai multiplexes, indicating that exhibitors had simultaneously tightened enforcement of CBFC regulations.

The incident has reignited debate around Jana Nayagan's A certificate. The CBFC cleared the film only after asking the makers to implement several changes, including removing or modifying references linked to Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), altering dialogues and trimming portions of violent scenes. The film also contains scenes depicting excessive violence, sexual assault and child abuse, making it legally restricted to audiences aged 18 years and above.

Producer Venkat K Narayana had earlier voiced disappointment over the certification, arguing that the film carries a powerful girl child empowerment message and was originally intended to be enjoyed by families. However, multiplex chains in Chennai appear to have adopted a strict zero tolerance approach, with many social media users backing theatres, saying parents were responsible for bringing children into an adults only screening.

Directed by H Vinoth, Jana Nayagan marks Vijay's swansong before dedicating himself to full time politics. The film, an adaptation of the Telugu hit Bhagavanth Kesari, stars Pooja Hegde, Mamitha Baiju, Bobby Deol, Prakash Raj and Gautham Vasudev Menon in pivotal roles. Despite months of censor delays, an HD piracy leak before release and fresh theatre disruptions, the action drama has continued to register a strong box office performance since its worldwide release on July 23.