Jana Nayagan, actor Vijay’s swansong before his political plunge, began streaming on ZEE5 on Friday. Recently, singer and dubbing artist Chinmayi Sripada took to X to give a shoutout to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay and director H Vinoth for incorporating a crucial message about child sexual abuse in the film.

Chinmayi thanks Vijay

“I got to watch Jana Nayagan. I do want to share about the one thing that was most important to me and the cause that I stand for — safety for children from sexual abuse and swift action (I still wish, because what else do we have except hope?) A star the stature of @actorvijay, and now the Honble CM of Tamil Nadu speaking about child sexual abuse in the film was crucial, important,” wrote Chinmayi on Saturday.

“Huge thanks to the director H Vinoth and to the Hon’ble CM for that scene (folded hands emoji). I hope and pray all children be safe from abuse. May the abusers end,” she added.

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What does Jana Nayagan say about sexual abuse against children?

In a crucial scene of Vijay’s Jana Nayagan, Vijay’s character is seen addressing a group of children and explaining to them the concept of a “good touch” and a “bad touch.” He also urges them to report cases of sexual abuse to their parents immediately so that the authorities can take swift and appropriate action against the perpetrators.

However, ironically, Jana Nayagan was cleared for theatrical release only with an ‘A’ (Adults Only) certificate. That implies that children below 18 years of age, for whom Vijay’s message on sexual abuse was actually intended, didn’t even get to see the scene in cinemas. However, with its OTT release now, children may be able to finally watch that important scene on ZEE5.

Chinmayi has been vocal about sexual harassment and abuse in the film industry, particularly through her advocacy during India’s #MeToo movement. In 2018, the singer publicly accused veteran Tamil lyricist Vairamuthu of sexual misconduct and also amplified accounts from other women who made allegations against him. Vairamuthu denied the allegations. Chinmayi has continued to speak out against what she sees as the industry’s failure to hold those accused of sexual misconduct accountable, and has also criticised Tamil superstars Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth for publicly praising Vairamuthu despite the allegations against him.

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About Jana Nayagan

Jana Nayagan, produced by Venkat K Narayana’s KVN Productions, was initially scheduled to release in cinemas on January 6. However, its certification was withheld in the eleventh hour, which even prompted the makers to move court. The film finally released in cinemas on July 23, but with an ‘A’ certificate. Meanwhile, Vijay contested the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections and emerged victorious, taking oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. Jana Nayagan also stars Pooja Hegde, Priyamani, Bobby Deol, and Prakash Raj, among others.