New Delhi: Thalapathy Vijay’s Jana Nayagan is creating massive buzz ahead of its January 9 Pongal release. Advance bookings have already crossed Rs 35 crore worldwide, with overseas markets leading the charge at over Rs 25 crore.
As Vijay’s final film before full-time politics, fans are rushing to cinemas, setting records in Malaysia and the UK. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu show huge demand too—will this be Vijay’s biggest opener ever?
Record-breaking global pre-sales
According to data from Sacnilk, Jana Nayagan has generated Rs 35 crore in global pre-sales. India’s share stands at nearly Rs 7 crore, with Karnataka alone contributing Rs 4 crore. The majority of collections have come from overseas, where advance ticket sales crossed the Rs 25 crore mark, underlining Vijay’s popularity and the growing market for Indian films abroad.
Strong buzz in India
Despite advance booking not yet being fully open in Tamil Nadu, Jana Nayagan has grossed nearly Rs 1 crore from limited shows. Tamil Nadu, Vijay’s home state and a traditional stronghold, is expected to surge as more theatres open. In Karnataka, especially Bengaluru, early morning shows see ticket prices from Rs 800 to Rs 2,000; theatres like Mukunda sold out 6:30 am screenings, with few seats left citywide.
Overseas mania peaks
In Malaysia, the film set a record with 50,000 tickets sold in just two hours at a recent audio launch event—the fastest for any Indian film there. The UK saw over 50,000 tickets sold, showing a strong international pull. North America and Australia also contribute heavily, with experts predicting Rs 50 crore+ opening day totals.
Cast, trailer, and hype factors
The cast features Mamitha Baiju, Pooja Hegde, and Bobby Deol alongside Vijay as a fearless police officer in the trailer, sparking comparisons to 2023’s Bhagavanth Kesari starring Balakrishna. Box office experts point out that Vijay’s decision to step away from acting after Jana Nayagan for politics fueled the surge, as fans mark this career milestone. Directed by H Vinoth, the Pongal timing boosts festive attendance in South India.
With international markets driving revenue and Indian audiences showing strong support pre-full bookings, Jana Nayagan eyes a box office storm. Trade watchers say it signals Vijay’s enduring stardom amid his big transition.