Salem: Thalapathy Vijay will not promote his son Jason Sanjay’s directorial debut Sigma, with the filmmaker saying he wants the promotional campaign to remain focused on the film and its team. Speaking at the Sigma pre-release event in Salem, Jason said Vijay is looking forward to watching the film but has several responsibilities as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.
Jason’s comments came as attention around Sigma grows ahead of its theatrical release on October 2. The film, produced by Lyca Productions and led by Sundeep Kishan and Faria Abdullah, marks Jason Sanjay’s first feature as a director.
Jason said his decision to keep his father away from the promotional campaign was deliberate. He wants audiences to approach Sigma as a film made by its director and creative team rather than primarily as the debut project of Vijay’s son.
“My father is waiting for the release of Sigma. My father won’t be promoting my film. I want the promotions to be about the film and not him. I don’t want it to overlap. And he’s become CM now, so he has so many responsibilities,” Jason said at the event.
He added that Vijay is excited to see what he has created and is waiting for the film’s release.
Jason wants Sigma to have its own identity
For Jason, keeping the focus on Sigma is particularly significant because of his family background. Vijay has been one of the most prominent stars in Tamil cinema for more than three decades, with films including Ghilli, Thuppakki, Mersal and Leo among his widely known works.
Jason is now entering the industry from behind the camera rather than following his father into acting. His debut therefore comes with considerable attention, but his comments suggest that he wants the film itself to remain at the centre of the conversation.
At the Salem event, Jason described Sigma as a story about an ordinary man whose decisions lead him into difficult situations.
“We’ve all had a Sigma moment in our lives. We’ve faced big troubles due to the decisions we’ve made, but have risen from them. I believe this story about a common man is one that everyone can relate to,” he said.
The film has been positioned as a heist-oriented entertainer, with Sundeep Kishan in the lead role. The production also features Faria Abdullah, Sampath Raj, Shiv Panditt, Yog Japee, Sheela Rajkumar and Raju Sundaram, among others. Music has been composed by Thaman S.
Vijay’s political responsibilities
Jason specifically referred to his father’s current responsibilities as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister when explaining why Vijay would not participate in the film’s promotions.
Vijay entered electoral politics through Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the political party he founded, and subsequently took on a larger public role. His political responsibilities have now become a key part of the context surrounding his public appearances.
Jason said that rather than participating in the promotional campaign, Vijay is waiting to watch the completed film.
When asked at the event about a quality he had learnt from his father, Jason gave a simple answer: “Punctuality.”
He was also asked about his reaction when Vijay became Chief Minister. Jason said he was happy and described it as a happy moment for him and those around his father.
Jason has also indicated that he may consider acting opportunities after Sigma releases, although his immediate focus remains on his directorial debut.
TVK chants interrupt Sigma event in Salem
Vijay’s political presence was nevertheless felt at the Salem event.
During Jason’s speech, sections of the audience began chanting “TVK”, referring to Vijay’s political party. The chants continued for some time while Jason was on stage before he acknowledged the crowd with a thumbs-up and continued his speech. The incident was reported by multiple outlets covering the event.
The chants came after Jason thanked his team and extended a special thanks to his family. Sundeep Kishan and Faria Abdullah were also present during the event.
The moment attracted attention because of the wider public interest in Jason and Vijay’s relationship. However, neither Vijay nor Jason has publicly confirmed claims about any personal differences between them. Reports and social media discussions have generated speculation, but those claims remain unconfirmed.
It is therefore the filmmaker’s own comments about Sigma and his father’s involvement that provide the clearest indication of their public position surrounding the film.
Sundeep Kishan calls Vijay an inspiration
Sundeep Kishan also spoke about Vijay during the Salem event, describing the actor-turned-politician as an important source of inspiration and referring to him as an identity associated with the film.
The comments added another Vijay-related moment to an event that Jason had otherwise used to introduce Sigma on its own terms.
Jason’s response to the TVK chants was restrained, with the filmmaker acknowledging the audience before returning to the film and its release.
The focus of the event ultimately remained on Sigma, its cast and Jason’s transition into filmmaking.
Sigma release date shifted to October 2
Sigma was initially scheduled to release on July 31, 2026. The film was subsequently postponed and is now set to reach theatres on October 2. Lyca Productions announced the new date in August, describing the film as a heist-driven theatrical release.
The postponement came amid changes to the release schedule involving Vijay’s Jana Nayagan, which had been scheduled for July 23. Reports noted that the shift affected the release plans for Sigma.
The film’s promotional campaign has already begun, with music and other promotional material being released ahead of the October release.
The first single, Sigma Style, was launched earlier this year, while the film’s music is composed by Thaman S.
A debut without Vijay at the centre
Jason Sanjay’s decision to keep Vijay away from the Sigma campaign reflects his stated desire to establish the film on its own merits.
The filmmaker is stepping into an industry where his surname inevitably attracts attention. His father’s decades-long career and current political role make it difficult for the film to exist entirely outside that public conversation. Yet Jason has made it clear that his intention is to promote the story, cast and creative team rather than rely on Vijay’s star power.
Vijay, meanwhile, is expected to watch the film after its release, with Jason saying that his father is excited about the project.
With Sigma scheduled to hit theatres on October 2, Jason Sanjay’s first major test as a director will now take place with the film itself at the centre of attention. His comments in Salem indicate that, despite the inevitable interest in his family background, he wants audiences to judge the project as his own filmmaking debut.