The trailer for Thalapathy Vijay's upcoming film, 'Jana Nayagan,' has sparked considerable discussion among fans and film enthusiasts, not only for its action-packed sequences and political undertones but also for an unexpected reason: the alleged presence of Google's Gemini AI logo within the trailer itself. The film, directed by H. Vinoth, is slated to be Vijay's last before he embarks on a full-time political career.
The controversy arose shortly after the trailer's release on Saturday, January 3, 2026, when eagle-eyed viewers spotted what appeared to be the Gemini AI logo in the bottom-right corner of the screen at the 0:23 mark. The scene features a character holding a machine gun, and the presence of the AI logo has led to speculation that artificial intelligence may have been used in the visual effects of that particular shot.
Social media platforms have been abuzz with reactions, with many users expressing surprise and concern over the alleged use of AI and the oversight of leaving the watermark in the final trailer. Some fans defended the use of AI in filmmaking, while others criticized what they perceived as a careless reliance on technology for a shot that could have been achieved practically. Some comments included, "Using Google Gemini AI shots in the trailer even without removing Logo is Shocking!! Using AI for Such Simple Shots is alarming & Raising Doubts on filmmaking Standards!! Making these AI Films and exploiting Fans".
Following the online uproar, reports suggest that the filmmakers have removed the Gemini AI logo from the trailer. However, the incident has already ignited a broader conversation about the role of AI in mainstream cinema and the ethical considerations surrounding its use.
'Jana Nayagan' is produced by KVN Productions and features a stellar cast including Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, Mamitha Baiju, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj, Narain, and Priyamani. The film is touted as a political action thriller, with Vijay portraying a powerful character seeking revenge. Some viewers have drawn comparisons between 'Jana Nayagan' and the Telugu film 'Bhagavanth Kesari', suggesting that the film may be a remake or adaptation. However, director H. Vinoth has remained tight-lipped about these claims.
The film is scheduled for release on January 9, 2026, coinciding with Pongal. Advance bookings are reportedly exceeding expectations, indicating a strong interest from fans eager to see Vijay's final film before his political transition. The music is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, marking his fifth collaboration with Vijay.
Despite the controversy surrounding the AI logo, the trailer has generated considerable excitement among Vijay's fans, who are eager to see their beloved "Thalapathy" in action one last time. The film is expected to be a grand send-off to his cinematic career, packed with mass appeal, powerful dialogues, and strong screen presence.
