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New Indian Express
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
'Jana Nayagan' First Roar: Vijay plays a super-cop in this H Vinoth directorial
As Vijay turns 51 today, the makers of his next and last film, Jana Nayagan, dropped a glimpse, which also serves as a character revelation. The over one-minute glimpse shows Vijay donning khaki and trying to quell a riot situation in a manner that suits him better. With this confirmation of his character, Jana Nayagan would be the fourth film where Vijay plays a cop, following his previous roles as a police officer in Pokkiri (2007), Jilla (2014), and Theri (2016). Directed by H Vinoth in his first collaboration with Vijay, Jana Nayagan is said to be a political action film which will be his final film project before his full-fledged entry into politics. It went on floors in October 2024, and no other plot details have been revealed by the makers. Reportedly, Vijay has also completed shooting his portions for the film. Jana Nayagan also stars Bobby Deol, Priyamani, Pooja Hegde, Prakash Raj, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Mamitha Baiju, and Narain. The film reunites Vijay with Prakash Raj after Varisu, Pooja Hegde after Beast, and Gautham Vasudev Menon after Leo. The film also reportedly stars actor Revathy as Vijay's mother. Revathi's previous collaboration with Vijay was in the 2002 film Thamizhan, where she played his sister. Jana Nayagan is produced by Venkat K Narayana and co-produced by Lohith N K and Jagadish Palanisamy. The film will be released in theatres on January 9, 2026, for the Pongal festival season.
News18
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Happy Birthday Vijay: A Look at Times Thalapathy Played A Cop Before Jana Nayagan
Thalapathy Vijay's birthday is special as he reveals Jana Nayagan, his last film before his political journey. The teaser shows him as a cop, hinting at a political theme. There's always a buzz around a Thalapathy Vijay birthday, but this year, it is a lot more special and a lot more different. This year, it comes with a tinge of sentiment and celebration, as everything that happens around the film might turn out to be his last in the film space, as the actor has declared Jana Nayagan to be his last film ahead of his political journey. As a treat to his fans, the teaser of his much-awaited film is finally here, revealing Vijay in the role of a police officer. The title, which loosely translates to 'People's Leader," is telling of how the film will be a tool to his upcoming political journey–a technique that has been employed in Tamil since the Dravidian movement. As fans dissect every frame of the teaser, the return of Vijay in khaki stirs up nostalgia. While the role of a cop is a tried-and-tested trope in Tamil cinema, Vijay has brought his own flavour to it every single time. Before Jana Nayagan gears up to be his swan song, here's a look at the times Thalapathy played a cop and left an indelible mark. If one has to pick films that changed the course of Vijay's career, Pokkiri would be right there at the top. Directed by Prabhu Deva and based on Mahesh Babu's Telugu blockbuster of the same name, the film starts off presenting Vijay as a morally grey gangster. But the twist—that he is, in fact, an undercover cop—gave the film a seismic shift in tone and elevated its emotional core. Vijay's performance as a gangster who doesn't flinch while dropping bodies made the film a blockbuster, as all the violence takes a seismic shift after the big reveal that he is a cop. He balanced the brashness of a rowdy with the quiet righteousness of a cop, and the result was both massy and memorable. Pokkiri remains a fan favourite because it marked the shift of Vijay from being a star to Thalapathy. Jilla (2014) What if a person who detests cops, due to his tragic past, is forced to become one? Jilla is a film that explores this one-liner, which is also about the transformation of a morally corrupt gangster into a righteous police officer. In Jilla, Vijay's character doesn't start off as a cop by choice. Adopted by a don played by Mohanlal, he becomes a police officer more out of obligation than passion. But as the story unfolds, Vijay's character undergoes an arc that sees him embracing justice over loyalty. What made Jilla stand out was the emotional core between Mohanlal and Vijay, and how the khaki became a symbol of inner conflict rather than just power. While Jilla isn't a blockbuster like Theri or Pokkiri, it is a film that has Vijay who is fun and a delight to watch. Also, who wouldn't enjoy watching Vijay rubbing shoulders with Malayalam superstar Mohanlal? Theri (2016) Every top hero in Tamil cinema tends to add a version of Rajinikanth's Baasha to his filmography. The story of an innocent-looking common man with a past as a dreaded gangster is a perfect setup for any hero to exhibit his acting versatility and also his heroism. Theri was Vijay's Baasha. With Theri, director Atlee gave Vijay another role that walked the tightrope between sentiment and swag. Vijay plays a cop who goes into hiding with his daughter after a personal tragedy. The film lets him switch between a soft-spoken father named Joseph Kuruvilla and a fierce police officer Vijay Kumar with seamless ease. The film was full of mass moments that continue to be played and replayed on YouTube. Veteran Tamil filmmaker Mahendran, an inspiration to Rajinikanth, played the villain, making the film all the more special. Jana Nayagan: The Return to the Badge Details about Jana Nayagan are still under wraps, but from the teaser, it's evident that this is not just another cop film. The title, the tone, and the visuals all suggest a political undercurrent. Rumours suggest it could be a story of a cop who turns politician. But nothing has been officially confirmed. Either way, Vijay looks intense, weathered, and ready. If this is to be his final bow before stepping into a new phase of public life, Jana Nayagan might be a culmination–expect callbacks and tribute to all his hits. And it will also be a conversation–a final adieu to his beloved fans and a welcome to his followers. On his birthday, as fans celebrate his past glories and await his future moves, one thing remains clear: few stars wear the khaki like Thalapathy Vijay. And in Jana Nayagan, it might just become a symbol of something far bigger. First Published:
Hindustan Times
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Best Thalapathy Vijay movies to stream on his birthday that showcase his versatility
Thalapathy Vijay is among the top-notch actors of South cinema. As we are set to celebrate his birthday on June 22, let's embrace his talent by binge-watching his heroic performances. Whether it is fighting off the terrorists in style or charming the girls, he has done it all. From Pokkiri to Thuppakki, Thalapathy Vijay has delivered solid performances over the years. Notably, all these movies are available to stream on OTTplay Premium, like several other captivating South movies. Celebrate Thalapathy Vijay's birthday with these films where he steals the limelight. Thalapathy Vijay movies on OTT Watch top binge-worthy Tamil films like Ghilli, Sarkar, Devil's Double Next Level and so much more on OTTplay Premium This blockbuster action thriller features Thalapathy Vijay in the lead and served as a turning point for his career. He essays the role of a free-spirited Kabaddi player named Saravanavelu, aka Velu, who fights off goons to save a girl and falls in love. Trisha plays Vijay's love interest alongside Prakash Raj, Ashish Vidyarthi, Pandu, Dhamu, Mayilsamy, and Ponnambalam in key roles. Pokkiri Vijay delivers a power-packed performance in this action film as he plays an undercover police officer who probes a shady criminal organization and goes rogue to pursue his quest. It also stars Asin and Prakash Raj in significant roles. Friends (Tamil) The talented Nerrukku Ner duo of Vijay and Suriya teamed up again for this iconic buddy drama film. The movie is the Tamil remake of Siddique's Malayalam film and revolves around two childhood best friends as they navigate their lives. The supporting cast features Devayani, along with Vijayalakshmi, Abhinayashree, Sriman, Vadivelu, and Charle in other pivotal roles. Thuppakki Starring Vijay as an intelligence officer, this engaging thriller is a seamless blend of action, romance, and thrills. The story is centered around a special team of the Indian Army as they battle the deadly terrorists and deactivate their sleeper cell. Kajal Aggarwal plays Vijay's love interest. Sathyan, Vidyut Jammwal, and Jayaram play significant roles in this riveting actioner. Mersal Helmed by Atlee, this Tamil action thriller features a star-studded ensemble cast including Thalapathy Vijay, SJ Suryah, Kajal Aggarwal, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and Nithya Menen. Vijay plays a triple role in the film and delivers an impressive performance as he plays twin brothers. From well-crafted action sequences to romantic encounters and plot twists, Mersal will keep you hooked until the end. The plot revolves around two brothers who reunite after a fateful encounter. One is a magician, and the other is a humble doctor. Their lives are intertwined after a murder.
Hindustan Times
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Prakash Raj calls Pawan Kalyan ‘inconsistent'; says Vijay has no ‘vision'
Actor Prakash Raj is known to be vocal about his politics, not just on social media but also in interviews. On the YouTube channel Prashna, the actor spoke about his co-stars Pawan Kalyan and Vijay, revealing why he believes both of them lack the 'vision' for politics. Here's what he said. (Also Read: Prakash Raj slams Hindi film industry for not speaking on political issues: 'Half of them are sold, my own colleagues') Prakash started off by saying that people often compare Vijay to Pawan and that he has known them both for twenty years now. 'Pawan has come from his brother Chiranjeevi's family and inherited his fan base. He might disagree, but it's the truth. Similarly, Vijay's father, SA Chandrasekhar, is a well-known director. He made numerous films to launch him before he got his stardom. Pawan came to politics a decade ago, Vijay is new to it. In the years I've known them, we have never spoken seriously about politics. They're actors and because of their popularity, they entered politics,' he said. The actor then claimed that neither actor has a 'vision' or an 'understanding of issues' in the country, stating, 'In the ten years since he (Pawan) launched his party, I haven't seen him have a vision, or an understanding of the issues people have. I don't see it in Vijay either. But when people like Pawan or Vijay enter politics, people look for an alternative in the existing system. They might get seats due to that, but later, they'll have to prove themselves. I hear dialogues when Vijay speaks, but will there be a deeper understanding in how to fight? Pawan is a very popular actor, but should we put the country's fate in his hands? He is inconsistent in his ideology.' For the unversed, Pawan became the Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh in 2024 when his Jana Sena Party won all seats it contested in an alliance with TDP and BJP. Vijay plans on contesting in the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections through his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. Prakash has worked with both Pawan and Vijay multiple times through the years in famous films like Pokkiri, Ghilli, Jalsa and Vakeel Saab. He will also star in their upcoming films, Jana Nayagan and They Call Him OG. He will also star in a Kannada film called Father, Miracle in Tamil and Goodachari 2 in Telugu.
Indian Express
22-04-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
ED summons actor Mahesh Babu in probe into ventures he endorsed
The Enforcement Directorate has summoned Telugu actor Mahesh Babu in connection with a money laundering case. Babu was summoned on Monday to appear before ED on April 28. The case pertains to alleged money laundering by two Hyderabad -based real estate groups – Sai Surya Developers and Surana Group – earlier this year. Babu had allegedly endorsed the two groups for a sum of Rs 5.9 crore. The actor's involvement is being probed by ED because his endorsement had allegedly led several people to invest in the fraudulent ventures. While Babu might not have laundered money through the companies, he is being investigated for allegedly receiving laundered money from the companies, officials said. The ED had started its probe based on cases filed by Telangana Police. As per Telangana Police, the two companies had defrauded scores of home buyers by offering plots which are unavailable and by registering plots over and over on names of multiple home buyers. ED searches on April 16 had allegedly resulted in seizure of Rs 100 crore in allegedly dubious transactions. The documents seized in the searches indicated largescale fraudulent transactions. According to Telangana Police, the ED took over the case because of the nature of the white collar criminal offence. Mahesh Babu is a veteran actor who had entered the film industry in the late 1990s. His films Okkadu (2003), Athadu (2005), Pokkiri (2006) and recent releases including Saarileru Neekkevaru (2022) and Sarkaru Vari Patta (2022) have been box office hits.
