At the audio launch of Jana Nayagan in Malaysia, director Atlee delivered a heartfelt tribute to Thalapathy Vijay, solidifying their close bond in the Tamil film industry. The event, titled "Thalapathy Thiruvizha," was held at the National Stadium Bukit Jalil and gained significance as it precedes what is rumored to be Vijay's final film before transitioning into politics.
Addressing a stadium filled with fans, Atlee reflected on his early career and the crucial encouragement he received from Vijay. He expressed deep gratitude, acknowledging Vijay's unwavering support during his formative years in the industry. Atlee fondly referred to Vijay as "my brother, my Thalapathy," emphasizing the personal connection they share.
Atlee further illustrated their bond using an analogy that deeply resonated with the audience. He stated that in life, people encounter three types of individuals: leaves that come and go, branches that break during storms, and roots that remain steadfast. He declared, "My Vijay brother is that root," evoking an emotional response from the crowd. Atlee highlighted that Vijay believed in him when he was "nobody".
The professional relationship between Atlee and Vijay has resulted in some of Tamil cinema's most successful films, including Theri (2016), Mersal (2017), and Bigil (2019). These collaborations have not only achieved commercial success but have also solidified their bond.
The most memorable moment of the evening occurred when an overwhelmed Atlee rushed across the stage to embrace Vijay. Vijay responded with a warm embrace and a kiss on Atlee's shoulder, eliciting a frenzy of excitement from the audience. This display of affection went viral, symbolizing their strong friendship.
The audio launch served as a celebration of Vijay's cinematic journey, his collaborations, and the personal relationships that have shaped his legacy in Tamil cinema. Veteran actor Nasser also delivered a tearful speech, thanking Vijay for his support. The event featured live performances by singers such as Tippu, Anuradha Sriram, and Saindhavi.
Jana Nayagan boasts a star-studded cast, including Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, Mamitha Baiju, Prakash Raj, Gautham Menon, Priyamani, and Naren. The film is directed by H. Vinoth and produced by KVN Productions. It is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on January 9, 2026. The audio launch event will be telecast on Zee Tamil and streamed on ZEE5 Tamil on January 4, 2026.
