Screenings of Vijay’s Jana Nayagan were halted at theatres across Karnataka on Friday as protests intensified over the Cauvery water-sharing dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Theatre operators cancelled shows as a precaution, while promotional posters and banners were removed or covered at some venues to reduce the risk of confrontations.
The disruption affects Vijay’s farewell film at a crucial stage of its theatrical run. The political action drama had entered its second weekend after reportedly crossing ₹260 crore worldwide, making Karnataka—particularly Bengaluru—an important market for its continued box-office performance.
Jana Nayagan Shows Cancelled In Bengaluru And Mandya
Sampige Theatre in Bengaluru reportedly cancelled its scheduled screenings and removed or covered Vijay’s posters as a preventive measure. Police increased patrolling in sensitive areas, including neighbourhoods with substantial Tamil-speaking populations, amid concerns that the water dispute could trigger further demonstrations.
In Mandya, pro-Kannada activists removed Jana Nayagan banners and disrupted screenings at some theatres. Reports said the Gurushree Theatre cancelled shows after protesters targeted promotional material outside the venue.
Jana Nayagan Disruption Follows Cauvery Water Order
The protests followed the Cauvery Water Management Authority’s decision to uphold a recommendation directing Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water per day to Tamil Nadu for 15 days from July 29. The scheduled release amounts to approximately four TMC of water.
Farmer organisations and Kannada groups have opposed the order, arguing that Karnataka is experiencing water shortages and that releasing additional water could affect agriculture. The dispute has also prompted wider protests, with pro-Kannada organisations announcing a Karnataka bandh for August 13.
Jana Nayagan Box Office May Face Further Pressure
Jana Nayagan reportedly crossed ₹260 crore worldwide by its eighth day. However, its daily business had begun slowing as the film entered its second week, making Karnataka’s theatre closures another challenge for its box-office momentum.
The cancellations could reduce collections from Bengaluru and other urban markets where Vijay commands a significant following. The final financial impact will depend on how long the suspension continues and whether theatres receive assurances that screenings can resume safely.
Jana Nayagan Marks Vijay’s Final Acting Role
Jana Nayagan is being promoted as Vijay’s final film before he focuses fully on politics. Vijay was sworn in as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in 2026, adding further political sensitivity to the film’s screening during an interstate water dispute.
Directed by H Vinoth, the political action drama also features Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, Mamitha Baiju, Prakash Raj, Gautham Vasudev Menon and Narain. The film was released theatrically on July 23, 2026, and runs for just over three hours. The screening situation remains fluid, and theatres may revise schedules depending on protests, police assessments and discussions within the Karnataka film industry.
