‘Jana Nayagan’ release: ‘Thalapathy’ Vijay pays tribute to MGR
How Vijay's latest release 'Jana Nayagan' pays a hat tip to matinee idol MG Ramachandran through its scenes and songs
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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay’s Jana Nayagan has finally hit theatres after months of delays. The film pays tribute to former Chief Minister and screen legend MGR with AI-generated voice recreations, iconic song references and political symbolism. Vijay is the second sitting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister after MGR to have a film release while in office
Updated - July 23, 2026 04:45 pm IST
Vijay in ‘Jana Nayagan’, and MGR | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
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.”
Published - July 23, 2026 03:20 pm IST
Tamil cinema / Tamil Nadu / cinema
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