A file picture of Tamil actor-politician Vijay.
| Photo Credit: ANI
Actor-politician Vijay on Saturday (December 27) said that he decided to “give up cinema” to “stand up” for his fans who offered him everything, including a ‘koattai’ (fort). The star said this at the much-awaited audio launch event of his swansong movie Jana Nayagan, which was held in Malaysia.
“When I entered the cinema, I thought I was building a small sand house here. But you all have built me a palace. Fans helped me build a fort… That’s why I’ve decided to stand for them. For the fans who gave up everything for me, I’m giving up cinema itself,” the actor said.
“My fans come to see me in theatres. Now, I will stand up for them for the next 30 to 33 years. They have been very loyal, even when I faced criticism from others. This Vijay will pay back his debt of gratitude,” said the superstar.
Thanking Malaysian fans particularly, Vijay recollected the films he shot in the city. “I remember coming here for Kuruvi and Kavalan.” The venue erupted when he mentioned his long-time competitor and colleague Ajith Kumar’s name. “My friend’s Ajith’s Billa was shot in Malaysia.”
The event, billed as ‘Thalapathy Thiruvizha’, featured live performances and emotional speeches amid tightened security and a strict no-politics directive from Malaysian police. Singers like Tippu, Anuradha Sriram, and Saindhavi electrified the stage, building on hits like ‘Thalapathy Kacheri’ and ‘Oru Pere Varalaaru’, which had already won fan acclaim.
Veteran actor Nasser delivered a tearful speech, thanking Vijay for aiding his son’s recovery and supporting the construction of the Nadigar Sangam building. He invoked Vijay’s Pokkiri dialogue, stating that the star lives true to his dialogue, “Oru Thadava Mudivu Pannita”, (once I made up my mind…). But he urged Vijay to make an exception this time by reconsidering his retirement from films, as he is “critic-proof” and irreplaceable for fans and the industry.
Actor Pooja Hegde, Vijay’s co-star in the film, recalled how professional and humble he was and expressed her sadness over his final film. Their first film together, Beast, gave her a forever hit in the song ‘Arabic Kuthu’, she added.
H Vinoth sends a warning
Speaking at the event, the director of the film, H Vinoth, promised 100% entertainment. “There are talks that the film is a remake and that it has not generated enough buzz. People creating that perception will be proven wrong. Let me promise you that this is an out and out Thalapathy film with no dull moments.”
This film’s music director, Anirudh Ravichander, delivered a 45-minute tribute with medleys of the hits of Vijay. Ace filmmakers of Tamil cinema, directors Atlee, Nelson and Lokesh Kanagaraj, shared their experiences with the actor.
The apolitical gathering, permitted strictly as entertainment, highlighted Vijay’s global pull three years after his last Malaysia visit.
ALSO READ: Thalapathy Vijay is a sweetheart: Bobby Deol on his ‘Jana Nayagan’ co-star
Jana Nayagan, starring Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, Mamitha Baiju, Prakash Raj, Gautham Menon, Priyamani, and Naren, releases worldwide on January 9, 2026, for Pongal, clashing with Prabhas’ The Raja Saab and Red Giant Movies’ Parasakthi starring Sivakarthikeyan.
The audio launch event will be telecast on Zee Tamil and streamed on ZEE5 Tamil on January 4, 2026.
Published – December 28, 2025 04:05 pm IST
