Rishab Shetty Condemns Jana Nayagan Leak Amidst Industry Outcry

Actor Rishab Shetty has publicly condemned the leak of a clip from the upcoming film Jana Nayagan, calling it a serious violation. The leaked footage, featuring Vijay, has sparked outrage across the film industry, with many stars expressing their disapproval. Pooja Hegde, who stars alongside Vijay, shared her emotional response to the incident, highlighting the hard work of the film's team. As the controversy unfolds, Shetty's comments underscore the importance of respecting the creative efforts behind filmmaking.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 11, 2026, 13:32 IST

Rishab Shetty Stands with Jana Nayagan Team

On Saturday, actor and filmmaker Rishab Shetty voiced his support for the team behind the upcoming film Jana Nayagan, denouncing the recent leak of a five-minute clip from the movie as a serious violation. The footage, which reportedly features Vijay's introduction scene and part of a song, quickly spread across social media platforms. Shetty took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his solidarity with the film's crew and to criticize the act of piracy.

Rishab Shetty's Response to the Leak

Shetty emphasized the passion and dedication that goes into filmmaking, stating, “Cinema is built on passion, dreams, and love. Countless people work tirelessly to bring entertainment to audiences. When someone tries to tamper with that effort, even in the smallest way, it deeply affects everyone involved.” He labeled the leak of Jana Nayagan as a “serious and unacceptable act.”

Directed by H. Vinoth, Jana Nayagan features a stellar cast, including Bobby Deol, Pooja Hegde, Mamitha Baiju, Prakash Raj, and Gautham Vasudev Menon. The leak has drawn condemnation from numerous stars, including Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Suriya, and Chiranjeevi, along with various industry professionals.

In light of the ongoing controversy, Pooja Hegde, who reunites with Vijay after Beast, shared her emotional thoughts online. She expressed her dismay over the leak, describing it as deeply upsetting and highlighting that a film represents the hard work of many individuals who dedicate their time, creativity, and personal sacrifices to bring a story to life. Hegde noted that the illegal release of their work undermines the respect and recognition that the entire team deserves.

Rishab Shetty's Recent Projects

On the professional front, Rishab Shetty was last seen in Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1, an epic mythological action drama where he plays four significant roles. The film also features Jayaram, Rukmini Vasanth, and Gulshan Devaiah. Serving as a prequel to the 2022 film Kantara, it explores the origins of the traditions and ancestral conflicts introduced in the first installment. Set in pre-colonial coastal Karnataka, the narrative intertwines regional folklore and divinity, examining humanity's relationship with nature. The film has achieved remarkable commercial success, becoming the second-highest-grossing Kannada film of all time and ranking among the highest-grossing Indian films ever.