Key Points
- Trailer released for Jan Nayakan, Vijay’s final film before political break, hitting theaters January 9, 2026
- Vijay plays Vetri Kondan (TVK), a former police officer turned criminal raising his daughter Viji
- Bobby Deol appears in a menacing avatar, more dangerous than his Animal character Abrar
- Film shot over 100 days with Vijay present for 84 days, directed by H. Vinoth
- Supporting cast includes Prakash Raj and Pooja Hegde alongside Tamil industry veterans
- Originally made in Tamil, releasing in Hindi as Jan Neta across India
- Director H. Vinoth praised Vijay’s discipline and deep involvement in all aspects of filmmaking
- Trailer reveals TVK’s peaceful life disrupted when dangerous forces spread chaos across the country
- Film represents emotional farewell for fans as Vijay transitions from cinema to politics
- Advance bookings opening January 5, 2026, with premiere shows scheduled for January 8 midnight
The trailer for Jan Nayakan (People’s Leader), starring Thalapathy Vijay and Bobby Deol, has been released. The film is set to release in theaters across India on January 9, 2026. Directed by H. Vinoth, this film is particularly significant as it will be Vijay’s last film on the big screen before he takes a break from cinema. Following the trailer’s release, the makers have given audiences a glimpse of a powerful and emotional farewell. The 2-minute 52-second trailer features Thalapathy in the role of Vetri Kondan, or TVK, a former police officer who later becomes a notorious criminal.
Thalapathy Vetri Kondan is raising his daughter, Viji, while keeping his true identity a secret. His daughter is constantly plagued by fear and anxiety. Thalapathy’s peaceful life is disrupted when dangerous forces begin spreading chaos across the country. Forced to return to action, TVK must now not only protect his daughter but also confront Bobby Deol’s character, who has become a major threat to the nation. The trailer masterfully balances intimate family moments with large-scale action sequences, showing Vijay’s character struggling between his violent past and desire for a peaceful future.
Bobby Deol’s Terrifying New Villain
Originally made in Tamil, Jan Nayakan will be released in Hindi as Jan Neta. The trailer showcases Bobby Deol in a menacing avatar. His look appears even more dangerous and distinctly different from his character Abrar in Animal. Sporting a bald head, intense eyes, and a muscular physique, Deol’s character seems to be a ruthless mastermind with a personal vendetta against TVK. The brief glimpses show him commanding a private army and orchestrating nationwide terror from a high-tech facility.
The film also features several prominent and talented actors from the Tamil film industry, including Prakash Raj as a senior intelligence officer who shares a complicated history with TVK, and Pooja Hegde as a journalist investigating the chaos. The supporting cast includes veteran character actors like Nassar, Thambi Ramaiah, and Radhika Sarathkumar, adding depth to the narrative. The ensemble cast suggests a complex web of relationships and motivations beyond the central conflict.
Director H. Vinoth Praises Thalapathy Vijay
Jan Nayakan director H. Vinoth spoke about the scale of the film and his experience working with Vijay. The film was shot over 100 days, with Vijay present for 84 days. Vinoth said the experience was like “watching 84 Vijay films continuously.” He praised Vijay’s discipline, dedication, and deep understanding of cinema. According to the director, Vijay wasn’t just acting, he was fully involved in every aspect of filmmaking, from script discussions to editing suggestions. Vinoth revealed that Vijay would often arrive on set two hours early to discuss scene nuances and character motivations.
The director also shared that Vijay performed most of his own stunts, including a particularly dangerous sequence where TVK jumps between buildings while carrying his daughter. “He insisted on doing it himself to maintain authenticity,” Vinoth revealed in an interview. The film’s action choreography, designed by Hollywood stunt coordinator Stefan Richter, includes practical effects and minimal CGI, giving the action a raw, realistic feel.
Technical Crew and Production Details
The film’s technical crew boasts some of the industry’s finest talents. Music composer Anirudh Ravichander has created a powerful background score that elevates the trailer’s emotional impact. The soundtrack includes five songs, with the patriotic number “Vetri Kondan Anthem” already trending on social media. Cinematographer Sathyan Sooryan, known for his work in Kaithi and Master, has captured the film’s gritty aesthetic with moody lighting and dynamic camera movements.
Editor Philomin Raj, a frequent collaborator with director Vinoth, has paced the trailer to build tension gradually, revealing just enough to intrigue audiences without spoiling key plot points. The film’s production design by Sunil Babu creates authentic settings, from TVK’s modest home to the villain’s high-tech lair. Produced by Boney Kapoor’s Bayview Projects in association with Zee Studios, the film reportedly has a budget of ₹180 crore, making it one of the most expensive Tamil films ever made.
The Significance of Vijay’s Farewell
Whether Thalapathy Vijay’s last film, Jan Nayakan, is inspired by anything or not, that doesn’t matter to the fans right now. For them, this film is a special occasion, a chance to see Thalapathy Vijay on the big screen one last time. As January 9th approaches, the excitement surrounding the film is growing. It’s not just a film, but an emotional farewell. Jan Nayakan is the final chapter of an era that has influenced generations of Tamil cinema lovers.
The film’s release is being treated as a cultural event across Tamil Nadu, with fan clubs organizing special screenings and charity events. The Tamil Nadu government has declared a half-day holiday in some districts on January 9 to allow fans to watch the first day first show. The film will release in over 4,000 screens worldwide, including 1,000 screens in Tamil Nadu alone. The Hindi version, Jan Neta, will release in 1,500 screens across North India, marking Vijay’s biggest Hindi release to date.
Marketing Campaign and Fan Frenzy
The marketing campaign has been unprecedented, with the makers releasing character posters daily for the past week. Each poster revealed a new character with the tagline “The Legend Ends, The Legacy Begins.” The film’s trailer launch was accompanied by a massive fan event in Chennai, where Vijay made a rare public appearance and emotionally thanked his fans for their support throughout his 30-year career.
Social media has been flooded with fan-made tribute videos, artwork, and countdown posts. The hashtag #JanNayakanTrailer trended worldwide within minutes of the trailer’s release, with over 2 million tweets in the first hour. Fans have been sharing their favorite Vijay moments, creating a digital archive of his cinematic journey. The film’s bookings, opening January 5, are expected to break records, with trade analysts predicting a ₹50 crore opening day collection.
Box Office Expectations and Industry Impact
Trade analysts predict that Jan Nayakan will open to packed houses, with first-day collections expected to surpass ₹50 crore worldwide. The film’s success is crucial for the Tamil film industry, which has been struggling with box office failures in 2025. A strong performance could revive the theatrical business and encourage producers to invest in big-budget content-driven films.
The film’s performance in the Hindi belt will be closely watched, as it could establish Vijay as a pan-Indian star capable of drawing audiences beyond his traditional strongholds. The clash with other releases has been carefully managed, with Jan Nayakan getting prime showtimes in most multiplexes. The film’s satellite and digital rights have been sold to Zee Network for a record ₹120 crore, ensuring profitability even before theatrical release.
