Mandya: Protest halts Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' screening at Gurushree theatre over Cauvery Water issue
Mandya, July 30
A screening of actor-turned-Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay's film 'Jana Nayagan' was disrupted at Gurushree Theatre in Mandya after members of the Vijaya Sena organisation staged a protest over the Cauvery water issue.
The protesters laid siege to Gurushree Theatre while the film was being screened and demonstrated outside the premises. Led by state president Deepak, the group raised slogans and expressed their opposition before holding talks with the theatre management.
During the protest, the organisation demanded that the screening of 'Jana Nayagan' be stopped immediately and submitted a memorandum urging the management to halt the shows.
Following discussions with the protesters, the theatre management assured them that the screening of the film would be cancelled.
As part of the demonstration, members of Vijaya Sena, under the leadership of state president Deepak, also tore down posters of 'Jana Nayagan'.
The protesters expressed anger over water being released to Tamil Nadu following the CWRC order, which several organisations in Karnataka are opposing.
Directed by H. Vinoth, Jana Nayagan features Vijay in the lead alongside Bobby Deol, Pooja Hegde and Mamitha Baiju. The film was released in theatres on July 23 after several months of delay.
The film was originally scheduled for a Pongal release on January 9 but was delayed after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) held back its certification, citing concerns that certain scenes could potentially hurt religious sentiments.
'Jana Nayagan' is a political action drama and has been widely reported as Vijay's final film before he shifts his full focus to his political career as Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister.
Over a career spanning more than three decades, Vijay has delivered several successful films, including Leo, Bigil, Ghilli and Pokkiri.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Enough of this Cauvery water nonsense. Every time, it's Karnataka who has to suffer. Releasing a film by a TN CM while our farmers are dying for water? Salt on the wound. Well done, Vijaya Sena 🙏
I am a Kannadiga, but I feel bad for the theatre owner. He just wanted to screen a film and earn his living. Politicians and activists always target small businesses. Why not go protest at the CM's office instead?
As someone from the UK, this is fascinating but concerning. I can understand the frustration over water, but stopping a film screening? Artists shouldn't be punished for their government's actions. I hope both states can resolve this peacefully soon.
India never fails to surprise me. A Chief Minister acting in movies while protesting his own film? Interesting times. But water is life, and emotions run high. Maybe the protest could have been more civil - tearing posters isn't helpful.
These protests are getting out of hand. First a film, tomorrow what? Our Kannada movies also release in TN. We should think about reciprocity. The court has ordered water release, what can a theatre owner do? Target the system, not the cinema!
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