To put it another way, the buzz about Thalapathy Vijay’s last movie before politics, Jana Nayagan is like not seen in Tamil cinema in years. Due to land on Jan. 9, 2026, the film lands in the throes of the festive Pongal season, that month historically known for seeing blockbusters. All over India and abroad fans have been waiting, which resulted in all-time record advance bookings. Advance offers have been phenomenal. The film has already brought it to worldwide pre-release bookings exceeding ₹35 crore and has a huge overseas market share, according to reports. The demand in the Middle East, Singapore, and the US has been impressively high at > ₹25 crore.
Inside India too, bookings in Tamil Nadu and other southern states have been robust, with few holdups due to certification issues. That momentum paves the way for one of the largest openings in Vijay’s career. Jana Nayagan’s trailer contributed fuel behind the flames too. Released in the days just before the movie’s premiere, it set digital records in 24 hours after being streamed by 83.7 million views on YouTube and Instagram. It became the most watched Tamil trailer in a single day, hitting industry averages. And the size of that online engagement itself is telling - and shows people are poised to pack up in the cinema.
Jana Nayagan is poised to generate ₹55 - ₹65 crore around the world, according to industry analysts on opening day. Collections in India are projected to be between ₹25 and ₹30 crore, while overseas markets may bring in around ₹25 and ₹30 crore. If they are, though, then this movie will net one of the strongest openings for a Tamil film worldwide ever at a global level.
Everything from Vijay’s star power, to the timing of the release and the emotional heft of this being the last film he has made before he steps into the political arena, is to be expected in extraordinary measure. But there are also hurdles with potential to influence final figures. Tamil Nadu certification delays meant bookings did open later than expectations, which may dampen domestic figures somewhat. Also, the film has enormous anticipation for the weekend, and although the opening day is almost certain to be a historic one, sustaining momentum on the weekend into the post-release period will rely on audience response. If the film draws mixed reviews, collections may decrease post-boost.
On the flip side, word-of-mouth campaigns could propel Jana Nayagan into record territory for all of its run. Jana Nayagan is more than just another movie premiere for fans. It is ushering in an era of Vijay moving from cinema to politics. The film is being touted as a farewell gift from the actor to fans, in hopes of even more fans going to the movie. According to film critic Vivel Bhota, this emotional connection will be a big fanfare. Tamil Nadu theatres around the state are bracing themselves for crowds, and the special shows, fan festivity and cultural events that are to take place around there.
Finally, Jana Nayagan is set to play the best ever in India's first-day box office. The box office has never been so high, ₹55 crore and ₹65 crore globally at that. Its advance showings, record trailers and no less than Vijay’s overnight success, the perfect storm for a landmark opening. Whether or not it follows in its footsteps and can cement new records will be determined by audience reaction after the first day, but one thing is certain: January 9, 2026 will be remembered as a pivotal date in Tamil cinema and in Thalapathy Vijay’s storied career.
