Chennai: Actor-politician Vijay has announced that he is stepping away from cinema to begin his full-time political journey, saying he has chosen to “stand up” for fans who gave him everything, including a symbolic ‘kottai’ or fort of support.
Cinema to politics: Vijay explains his decision
Speaking at a grand audio launch event for his final film, Vijay said his decision to quit acting was rooted in gratitude towards his fans. Using a powerful metaphor, he explained that when he entered cinema, he believed he was building only a “small sand house”, but his supporters turned it into a “palace” and eventually a “fort”.
In Tamil Nadu’s political and cultural context, the word kottai carries deep meaning. It symbolises not only a personal stronghold but also Fort St George, the seat of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, Secretariat and the Chief Minister’s office since Independence. Vijay’s reference was widely seen as a clear political signal ahead of his formal plunge into electoral politics.
“For the fans who gave up everything for me, I am giving up cinema itself,” Vijay said, drawing loud cheers from the audience.
A historic event in Malaysia
The audio launch, billed as Thalapathy Thiruvizha, was held at Bukit Jalil Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on December 27 and turned into a historic spectacle. Nearly 1 lakh fans attended the event, which entered the Malaysian Book of Records for hosting the largest audience at an audio launch.
Malaysia, which is home to one of the world’s largest Tamil diasporas after Sri Lanka, witnessed an emotional farewell as Vijay addressed fans for nearly five to six hours. Tight security arrangements were in place, and Malaysian authorities permitted the event strictly as a cultural and entertainment programme, with a clear no-politics directive.
Vijay’s message to fans and critics
Thanking Malaysian fans in particular, Vijay delivered a message that resonated strongly with both his supporters and political observers. He remarked that success often requires a strong opponent, suggesting that challenges only strengthen resolve.
“If you want to succeed in life, you may not need friends, but you need a strong enemy. Only when there is a strong enemy, you become stronger. In 2026, history will repeat. Let us be ready to welcome it for the people,” he said, hinting at future political battles.
The reference to 2026, when Tamil Nadu is expected to go to Assembly elections, added weight to speculation around his political ambitions.
Emotional tributes from industry colleagues
Several industry veterans became emotional while recalling their association with the actor. Veteran actor Nasser delivered a tearful speech, thanking Vijay for supporting his family during difficult times and for helping with the construction of the Nadigar Sangam building.
Invoking a famous dialogue from Vijay’s film Pokkiri — “Oru thadava mudivu pannita” (Once I make up my mind…) — Nasser said Vijay lived by his words. However, he urged the star to make an exception and reconsider his decision to retire from cinema, calling him “critic-proof” and irreplaceable for both fans and the film industry.
Actor Pooja Hegde, Vijay’s co-star in Jana Nayagan, spoke about his professionalism and humility on set. She recalled that their earlier collaboration Beast gave her a career-defining moment with the chartbuster song “Arabic Kuthu” and said she felt emotional being part of his final film.
Music, performances and nostalgia
Music director Anirudh Ravichander, a long-time collaborator of Vijay, delivered a 45-minute musical tribute, presenting medleys of the actor’s biggest hits. The performance drew massive applause and turned the stadium into a sing-along arena.
Popular singers including Tippu, Anuradha Sriram and Saindhavi performed live, energising the crowd with iconic numbers. Renowned directors Atlee, Nelson Dilipkumar and Lokesh Kanagaraj also took the stage to share anecdotes and praise Vijay’s work ethic and mass appeal.
Global pull and farewell film
The event underlined Vijay’s global fan base, especially among the Tamil diaspora, three years after his previous visit to Malaysia. Despite the apolitical nature of the gathering, the scale of the celebration highlighted his influence beyond Indian shores.
Vijay’s final film Jana Nayagan, featuring Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, Mamitha Baiju, Prakash Raj, Gautham Menon, Priyamani and Naren, is scheduled for a worldwide release on January 9, 2026, coinciding with the Pongal festival. The film will face stiff competition at the box office from Prabhas’ The Raja Saab and Red Giant Movies’ Parasakthi, starring Sivakarthikeyan.
The audio launch event will be telecast on Zee Tamil on January 4, 2026.
Conclusion
With an emotional farewell and a clear political message, Vijay has signalled the end of an era in Tamil cinema and the beginning of a new chapter in public life. As fans celebrate his cinematic legacy, attention now shifts to how the star will translate his massive popularity into political influence in the years ahead.