For the first time in nearly five decades, Tamil Nadu is set to witness a sitting Chief Minister headline a film in theatres. When Jana Nayagan, directed by H Vinoth and starring CM Joseph Vijay, releases on July 23 across more than 1,000 screens across the state, it marks a historic moment not seen since MG Ramachandran's Meenavaa Nanban released after he became Chief Minister in 1977.

CM Vijay watched Jana Nayagan at a government preview theatre in Adyar alongside senior bureaucrats on Wednesday evening, ahead of its public release.

Theatres across the state have been decked up by fans, with Rohini Theatres managing director Rhevanth Charan noting that the CM's anti-corruption ideology and the words he expressed as an actor have always resonated with the public. Theatre Owners Association member Tirupur Subramanian confirmed strong booking responses through Sunday, with no hassle reported by theatres.

"It is an emotional day for many fans and supporters. It is also a feat for a chief minister's film, with him as the protagonist, releasing after 50 years," he said.