Screening of 'Jana Nayakan' Halted in Karnataka Amid Cauvery Water Dispute

The screening of the film 'Jana Nayakan' has been disrupted in Karnataka due to rising tensions over the Cauvery water dispute. Following a statement from Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, local theaters have ceased showing the film, with police advising cancellations to prevent unrest. Despite these challenges, 'Jana Nayakan' has performed impressively at the box office, achieving significant earnings since its release. The film's total worldwide collection has exceeded ₹255 crores, showcasing its popularity amidst the ongoing controversy. Read on to learn more about the film's impact and the situation in Karnataka.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 31, 2026, 16:59 IST

Disruption of Film Screening in Karnataka

The screening of 'Jana Nayakan' has been interrupted in Karnataka due to the ongoing Cauvery water dispute. Local theaters have ceased showing the film following a statement from Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who suggested postponing a planned meeting with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, citing an unfavorable atmosphere in the state. He emphasized that Karnataka is obligated to adhere to the recent directives from the Cauvery Water Regulation Authority (CWRA) and the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA).

Police Intervention at Theaters

Reports indicate that the police advised the Urvashi Theater in the city to cancel the shows of 'Jana Nayakan'. Staff members removed promotional materials related to the film and instead screened the Kannada movie 'Karavali'. To prevent any untoward incidents, police forces have been deployed outside the theater. As tensions rise over the Cauvery water sharing issue, Kannada activists in Mandya have also taken down banners promoting 'Jana Nayakan'.

Box Office Performance of 'Jana Nayakan'

'Jana Nayakan', which premiered on July 23, was released in approximately 125 to 150 theaters across Karnataka, including over 75 single-screen cinemas and nearly 50 multiplexes. The ongoing disruptions may impact its theater screenings in the state. Initially, it was anticipated that Vijay Thalapathi's latest film would dominate the global box office, and it appears to be living up to those expectations, garnering significant revenue and acclaim.

Impressive Earnings Amid Challenges

According to a report from Sacnilk, while films often struggle to earn during weekdays, 'Jana Nayakan' achieved a remarkable global business of ₹10 crores on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone. The film's total worldwide collection has now surpassed ₹255 crores.