‘Jana Nayagan’ release: ‘Thalapathy’ Vijay pays tribute to MGR

Tamil Nadu’s obsession with film stars is well known. So much so that its biggest stars have become Chief Ministers.

Nearly five decades ago, matinee idol MG Ramachandran (MGR) rose to the top in Tamil Nadu politics after playing many endearing characters on the big screen. Recently, in 2026, actor Vijay – one of the most popular stars of Tamil cinema – took oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

In Vijay’s latest film Jana Nayagan, which released to packed halls on July 23, 2026 the actor pays a hat tip to MGR. In a vital scene when his character (Thalapathy Vetri Kondan) has to take on the baddies, the makers have apparently used artificial intelligence to showcase matinee idol MGR’s voice.

“Thanga Thalapathy (Dear Thalapathy),” MGR reportedly tells Vetri Kondan, before handing him over a whip. The makers of Jana Nayagan have also liberally used other MGR references – an introduction shot of Vijay showcases MGR, apart from the actor-turned-Chief Minister singing a few lines of the iconic Tamil song ‘Naan Aanayittal’ (from MGR’s 1965 film, Enga Veetu Pillai).

Interestingly, Vijay becomes the second Chief Minister after MGR to see a film release. Back in 1977, a few weeks after MGR took over as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, his Meenava Nanban hit screens. The star battles for social justice and protects the vulnerable through this film – much like how Vijay, through Jana Nayagan, takes on issues plaguing democracy and battles for women empowerment.

MGR, and Vijay in ‘Jana Nayagan’

The release of Jana Nayagan marks the end of months-long drama. The film, originally slated to release on January 9 ahead of Pongal, was pushed by significant delays, legal interventions and piracy issues. Directed by H Vinoth, the film, which has music by Anirudh, is the remake of Telugu flick Bhagavanth Kesari starring Nandamuri Balakrishna.

Fans of ‘Thalapathy’ Vijay are describing the release as ‘one last dance’, referring to his last outing on the big screen. Sriram Raju, who watched the film at Chennai’s Rohini Theatre, says, “While it was exciting to watch him on the big screen, it also feels sad that this might be the last time we will see him in the movies. I’ve grown up watching his films and he has shaped my personality and outlook towards life, and hence, watching Jana Nayagan felt nostalgic.”

In Pictures: Tamil Nadu CM Vijay’s ‘Jana Nayagan’ opens to fan frenzy

Star worship: A fan pours milk over Vijay’s poster as part of the first-day celebrations of the Tamil movie ‘Jana Nayagan’ at a theatre in Ramanathapuram.

Ecstatic fans wave the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) flag at Casino Theatre in Chennai during the celebrations of the release of Vijay’s ‘Jana Nayagan’.

A variety of Vijay posters were on display during the FDFS celebrations of ‘Jana Nayagan’ at Rohini Silver Screens in Chennai.

Fan Fervour: Fans wear headbands bearing the title of Vijay’s final film. ‘Jana Nayagan’ opened to a massive response in Tamil Nadu.

A huge garland adorns a poster of Vijay at a theatre in Ramanathapuram as fans turned up in large numbers to watch ‘Jana Nayagan’.

Selfie time: Fans in Chennai pose for a picture in front of a poster of ‘Jana Nayagan’, Vijay’s last movie directed by H. Vinoth

A sea of fans gathers at Rohini Silver Screens in Chennai for the first-day-first-show of ‘Jana Nayagan’.

Scenes of celebrations by fans and TVK supporters in Ramanathapuram on the day of release of JanaNayagan movie that marks the end of TamilNadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s acting career.

Traditional touch: A group of ‘chenda’ drummers participate in the opening day celebrations of ‘Jana Nayagan’ starring Vijay.

One last dance: Die-hard fans of Vijay dance and enjoy the celebrations at the Casino Theatre in Chennai ahead of the first show of ‘Jana Nayagan’.

A huge cutout of Vijay at the Casino Theatre in Chennai on the release-day of ‘Jana Nayagan’, the political actioner directed by H. Vinoth.

At the Albert Theatre in Chennai, fans celebrate the release of ‘Jana Nayagan’ with the customary practice of pouring milk over the cutout of Tamil Nadu CM and superstar Vijay.

Tamil Nadu Minister for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) P. Mathan Raja cutting a cake at Ganapathy theatre in Udhagamandalam for the release of ‘Jana Nayagan’ movie on Thursday.

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