Before ‘Jana Nayagan’: When an 18-year-old Vijay walked the halls of Loyola College

Actor Vijay is currently riding high on the release of his latest political action drama, Jana Nayagan. The film, directed by H. Vinoth, has been the subject of intense discussion — from piracy fears to its adult certificate and even whispered links to Tamil Nadu politics. But before all the box office talk and controversy, there was an 18-year-old boy walking the halls of Loyola College in Chennai.

Vijay, then a young man with no stardom, enrolled at the prestigious institution in the early 1990s. He was not yet the ‘Thalapathy’ his fans worship today. He was just another student, attending classes and navigating campus life, unaware that his future would hold superstardom and a potential political career.

A quiet beginning on campus

Those who remember him from that time describe Vijay as a quiet and unassuming student. He did not flaunt any film background. His father, director S. A. Chandrasekhar, was known in the industry, but the son kept a low profile.

His college years were brief. Vijay was there to complete his pre-university course. But even then, a passion for cinema was evident. He would often talk about films and acting with close friends. But he did not skip classes to chase dreams. He attended lectures, sat in the library, and hung out with classmates like any other teenager.

Loyola College, a Jesuit institution, has produced several notable alumni in politics, business, and the arts. Vijay’s name now sits alongside them, but his time there was marked by a quiet determination.

From college to the silver screen

Soon after his brief stint at Loyola, Vijay made his acting debut. His first film, Naalaiya Theerpu (1992), was directed by his father. It did not set the box office on fire. But it was a start.

Over the next decade, Vijay slowly built a following. Films like Poove Unakkaga and Kadhalukku Mariyadhai cemented his place as a romantic hero. Then came the mass entertainers — Ghilli, Thuppakki, and Mersal — that turned him into a pan-India star.

Today, Jana Nayagan is playing in theatres. The film has a massive budget, rumoured to be around Rs 400 crore. But even before its release, it ran into trouble.

Piracy, certification, and politics

The makers of Jana Nayagan have been vocal about their fear of piracy. A producer was quoted saying, “A Rs 400 crore film cannot leak.” The statement came after several high-profile Tamil films were leaked online within hours of release. Security around the film’s prints has been tight.

Then came the ‘A’ (Adults Only) certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification. The producer expressed disappointment, pointing out that the film has a “girl child empowerment” theme. He argued that the rating could limit the film’s reach, especially among younger audiences who are Vijay’s core fan base.

There is also the political angle. Rumours have swirled that the film was deliberately leaked to help Vijay’s political ambitions in Tamil Nadu. Director H. Vinoth has denied this. He called the speculation baseless. But the chatter has not died down, given Vijay’s open interest in entering politics.

For now, the focus remains on the film’s box office performance. The actor, who once walked the quiet corridors of Loyola College, is now at the centre of a political storm, both on screen and off.

What happens next will depend on how audiences receive Jana Nayagan and whether the controversies around it affect its run. Vijay’s journey from a college student to a political figure is still being written.