Jana Nayagan: Bobby Deol Reveals Why Vijay’s Stardom Led To Most Of The Film Being Shot On Sets

Bobby Deol has spoken about sharing the screen with Vijay in Jana Nayagan, describing the Tamil superstar as remarkably reserved despite the scale of his fame. The actor also reflected on the intense fan loyalty surrounding stars in South Indian cinema, something he witnessed closely while working across Tamil and Telugu films.

In Jana Nayagan, Bobby plays the antagonist opposite Vijay. The film arrived in theatres on July 23 after certification-related delays pushed it beyond its original January release.

Vijay’s Popularity Changed The Way Jana Nayagan Was Filmed

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter India, Bobby revealed that a substantial portion of Jana Nayagan had to be shot inside studios because filming with Vijay in public spaces would have

been nearly impossible.

“It’s a fact. No work will happen if you take him on the street. He’s that big,” Bobby said, underlining the crowd-control challenges that accompany the actor wherever he goes.

Bobby, however, found Vijay’s off-camera personality far removed from the frenzy around him. He called his co-star “a very simple man, very quiet, very much to himself.”

Their interactions on set remained limited, partly because of the language difference. Bobby said he would often depend on director H Vinoth to understand conversations taking place in Tamil during the shoot.

‘There They Worship The Actors’

Having also worked in Telugu films such as Daaku Maharaaj, Bobby said he was struck by the collective support South Indian audiences extend to their stars and regional film industries.

“There they worship the actors. It’s amazing how united they stand for the film industry,” he said.

He recalled witnessing that fervour years earlier while participating in the Celebrity Cricket League alongside Malayalam superstar Mohanlal. According to Bobby, fans would arrive at stadiums in buses, filling the stands simply to support the actors they admired.

“That’s the difference regionally and how united they stand for their actors and the film industry,” he added. Bobby also noted that Vijay rarely gives interviews or participates in extensive promotional campaigns, preferring to maintain a low profile.

Vijay Once Remade Bobby Deol’s Soldier

Bobby also shared a film connection between the two actors. Vijay had once reminded him that he starred in Villu, the 2009 Tamil remake of Bobby’s 1998 action thriller Soldier.

Billed as Vijay’s final film before his full-time political career with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, Jana Nayagan is directed by H Vinoth and produced by Venkat K Narayana. The ensemble cast also includes Pooja Hegde, Mamitha Baiju, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj and Narain.