Indian actor-turned-politician Vijay‘s long-delayed cinematic swan song “Jana Nayagan” will open in theaters worldwide on July 23, KVN Productions has revealed.

The date arrives more than six months after the Tamil-language film’s original Jan. 9 launch was derailed by a protracted dispute with India’s Central Board of Film Certification and a separate piracy breach earlier this year.

Directed by H. Vinoth and produced by KVN Productions’ Venkat K. Narayana, “Jana Nayagan” – whose title translates as “The People’s Leader” – is the final screen appearance of the actor born Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, who retired from acting in 2024 to enter politics and was sworn in as Chief Minister of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu on May 9.

“There are very few moments in cinema that feel truly historic, and ‘Jana Nayagan’ is one such moment,” Venkat K. Narayana said. “As Thalapathy Vijay prepares for his final outing on the big screen, we are honored to be a part of this journey and to bring this special film to his fans across the world. It has been remarkable to witness a journey that began with cinema and went on to inspire millions, ultimately leading him to become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu – a testament to the extraordinary connection he shares with the people. We are confident that ‘Jana Nayagan’ will be a memorable theatrical experience and a fitting tribute to a phenomenal career.”

The film was originally positioned for the Makar Sankranti and Pongal holiday corridor, a window Vijay had mined successfully across a career spanning 69 lead roles. His last release, “The Greatest of All Time” (2024), grossed approximately $52 million. Global distribution for “Jana Nayagan” is handled by Phars Film.

Vinoth previously directed three consecutive Ajith Kumar vehicles – “Nerkonda Paarvai” (2019), “Valimai” (2022), and “Thunivu” (2023) – before taking on this project. Further promotional details are expected in the coming days.

Coming up from KVN Productions is the keenly anticipated “Toxic,” headlined by Yash.