Jana Nayakudu Trailer Sparks Backlash, Accused As Poor Rehash of Bhagavanth Kesari
“Some people say this is a remake. Let me be very clear — this is a 100 percent Thalapathy film,” Vinoth said, adding that Jana Nayagan would be a full-fledged commercial entertainer designed for the big screen.
Just days ago, Tamil director H Vinoth categorically denied reports that his upcoming Thalapathy Vijay-starrer Jana Nayagan (titled Jana Nayakudu in Telugu) was a remake of Nandamuri Balakrishna’s 2023 hit Bhagavanth Kesari. Addressing the speculation, Vinoth had asserted that the film was a completely original project.
“Some people say this is a remake. Let me be very clear — this is a 100 percent Thalapathy film,” Vinoth said, adding that Jana Nayagan would be a full-fledged commercial entertainer designed for the big screen.
However, the narrative changed dramatically after the trailer was unveiled yesterday. Social media users and industry observers were quick to point out striking similarities between Jana Nayagan and Bhagavanth Kesari, triggering a wave of criticism online. Many alleged that the film appeared to be a scene-by-scene rehash rather than an original story.
A producer remarked that several scenes, shots and even the thematic core closely resemble Anil Ravipudi’s Bhagavanth Kesari. “The idea of the hero urging women to be strong and brave, pushing for their upliftment, and the way the action sequences are staged are all reminiscent of the Telugu film. I don’t understand why the makers denied it being a remake, especially if they had indeed acquired the rights. Now they stand exposed,” the producer said.
Netizens echoed similar sentiments, expressing surprise at the makers’ earlier denial. Many highlighted that both films revolve around a protagonist who attempts to enlist a female character into the army against her wishes. In both narratives, the hero is enraged when she is brutally attacked by the antagonist, prompting him to seek revenge.
One user wrote, “Honestly, it would’ve been better if they hadn’t released the trailer at all. It feels like a reworked version of Bhagavanth Kesari, and not even an upgrade. Everything looks basic and generic.”
Another commented, “#JanaNayagan trailer is extremely disappointing. It feels like a poor adaptation of Bhagavanth Kesari with nothing fresh to offer.”
A third reaction read, “So this is Bhagavanth Kesari with over-the-top elements and a humanoid robo. It might work in Tamil Nadu due to political highs, but otherwise it looks uninspired. Sathya’s visuals are decent and the action blocks are okay, but that’s about it.”
With expectations already divided, Jana Nayagan now faces the challenge of convincing audiences that it has more to offer than a familiar template dressed in a new political-commercial wrapper.
