The Tamil Nadu state cyber-crime wing on Thursday claimed to have achieved a major breakthrough in the high-profile leak of actor-politician and state Chief Minister (CM) Vijay’s final film, 'Jana Nayagan'. Authorities said they have arrested the alleged mastermind who played a key role in the unauthorised release of the film, besides arresting 18 others. The operation is being viewed as one of the state’s most extensive anti-piracy operations in recent years.

The development surfaced months after several clips from the film, and later the entire film itself, leaked online, triggering outrage among filmmakers, distributors and Vijay’s massive fan base.

Digital forensics lead cops to mastermind

As per reports, the cops identified and arrested the key accused following an intensive operation, in which they utilised advanced digital analysis, technical surveillance and intelligence-led investigations.

Senior police officials in the know of the development said the accused had been on the lam for several weeks, but was finally traced and was taken into custody. The arrest has marked a crucial milestone in the ongoing probe into the leak and illegal online circulation of TN CM Vijay’s exit project from Kollywood. Officials added that the arrest toll in the case has risen to 19 with the latest arrest. Authorities believe all the arrested accused were linked to various stages of the piracy chain, including procurement, distribution and online propagation of the movie.

Six people were arrested in Chennai earlier

Last week, the police had made a series of arrests in state-capital Chennai, where six persons had been detained for their alleged involvement in the leak.

Among the people arrested was a software engineer identified as Balaji (34). All the accused have been booked under numerous legal provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Information Technology (IT) Act, the Copyright Act and the Cinematograph Act.

According to officials, they are continuing their probe to determine whether other people or networks were involved in facilitating the leak.

TN CM and former actor Vijay clicking a selfie with fans

Notably, the film was marred by certification hurdles, impeding its theatrical release scheduled for January 2026. On April 9, 2026, clips from the movie began making rounds online and some time later, the entire film made it to several piracy platforms, dealing a major blow to its makers.