AI Logo Removed but Backlash Continues as Jana Nayagan Trailer Sparks Meme Storm

The trailer of Jana Nayagan, starring Vijay, has found itself at the centre of an unexpected online controversy after viewers spotted what appeared to be a Google Gemini watermark in a fleeting frame. While the logo has since been removed from the trailer, the incident has triggered sustained trolling, memes and debate across social media platforms.

The issue came to light shortly after the trailer’s release, when eagle-eyed viewers noticed a brief frame that appeared immediately after a dramatic shot of Vijay’s character cocking a shotgun. Screen recordings circulated on X showed what looked like the Google Gemini watermark, leading to speculation that AI-generated visuals may have been used without proper cleanup during post-production.

Social Media Reacts Swiftly

The reaction online was immediate and sharp. Users questioned how such a visible watermark could make it into the final cut of a trailer for a high-profile, big-budget Tamil film. Several posts described the oversight as a “rookie error,” while others mocked the production for reacting only after social media backlash gathered momentum.

Memes flooded platforms, with some users sarcastically congratulating the team for “embracing AI cinema,” while others raised broader concerns about quality control in mainstream filmmaking. The incident also reignited discussions around the increasing use of artificial intelligence tools in film production and the importance of transparency and ethical standards.

Logo Removed, Conversation Persists

Following the online uproar, the Gemini logo was quietly removed from the trailer. Updated versions were uploaded across official platforms, and the controversial frame no longer appears. However, by then, clips and screenshots of the original version had already spread widely, ensuring that the conversation did not die down.

Even after the correction, social media users continued sharing archived footage, keeping the meme cycle alive. The episode has become part of the larger discourse around Jana Nayagan, shifting focus — at least temporarily — from its narrative and performances to technical oversight and production choices.

A Film Under Intense Scrutiny

Jana Nayagan has been under heightened scrutiny even before the trailer controversy. Directed by H. Vinoth, the film is positioned as a mass action entertainer set against a strong political backdrop. It also carries added significance as it is widely seen as Vijay’s final on-screen appearance before transitioning fully into active politics.

The cast includes Pooja Hegde, Mamitha Baiju, Prakash Raj, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Priyamani and Narain, making it one of the most star-studded releases of the Pongal season.

No Official Statement Yet

So far, the makers have not issued any formal clarification regarding the watermark episode or whether AI tools were involved in the trailer’s creation. Industry insiders note that such silence is not uncommon, especially when the error has already been rectified quietly.

Despite the controversy, the incident has kept Jana Nayagan firmly in public conversation ahead of its January 9, 2026 theatrical release. Trade observers point out that while the backlash may have dented perception in some quarters, the heightened visibility could also work in the film’s favour by sustaining buzz close to release.

As discussions around artificial intelligence, filmmaking ethics and production quality continue online, Jana Nayagan’s trailer controversy serves as a reminder of how even a single frame can spark widespread debate in the digital age.