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New Delhi: The Tamil Nadu Cyber Crime Wing has arrested three key suspects in connection with the online leak of Jana Nayagan,intensifying its investigation into one of the most prominent piracy cases in recent years.

The arrests were made on April 15 after investigators carried out a detailed technical probe into the leak, which surfaced days before the film received certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The case, registered earlier this month, had already resulted in six arrests linked to the circulation and uploading of pirated copies.

Officials said the main accused was working as a freelance assistant editor on a separate project but allegedly accessed Jana Nayagan footage at an editing studio without authorisation. Investigators suspect the individual copied the film’s reels, assembled the material into a complete version, and shared it with others, allowing it to spread quickly across piracy networks.

The three accused were produced before a court and have been remanded to judicial custody.

The arrests come shortly after the Madras High Court issued an interim injunction directing internet service providers and cable operators not to stream or broadcast any unauthorised or uncertified versions of the film.

Jana Nayagan, widely believed to be Thalapathy Vijay’s final film before his move into politics, faced a major setback when high-definition clips—including key scenes—began circulating online on April 9. The entire film later appeared on several illegal platforms, dealing a significant blow to the big-budget project.

Authorities have since removed hundreds of piracy links as part of ongoing efforts to limit the damage. Officials have also cautioned that accessing or distributing pirated content may invite legal action, urging the public to report such activity through official cybercrime channels.

Meanwhile, the Madras High Court has issued a temporary order prohibiting the circulation of the unlawful and uncertified copy of Jana Nayagan across social media, online platforms, and cable television networks.