Vijay has collaborated with several noted directors and new-age filmmakers in his three-decade-long film journey that cemented his stardom. However, director Lingusamy recently expressed his sadness on not being able to collaborate with the actor-politician. The filmmaker, who has worked with Mammootty, Murali, Madhavan, Vikram, Karthi, Arya and Suriya, among other actors, spoke about his "regret" in an interview with Behind Talkies, following the re-release of Anjaan which hit theatres recently.

"The fame and box office records that he has achieved can only be acquired by one in a million actors. He has worked hard to reach the stage where is right now, earning a massive paycheck and winning the hearts of millions of fans," he said, heaping praise on the actor.

The Sandakozhi filmmaker also pointed out that Vijay is hard working as well as punctual in his work. "I have heard a lot about his timings. He has never left a project midway. He is extremely sincere and work-oriented," he added.

When probed if he would direct a film with him if Vijay had continued his acting career, he said, "I am not sure. I have already missed working with him in three films. I still hold that sadness that I was unable to collaborate with him in all these years."

For the unversed, Vijay is awaiting the release of H Vinoth's Jana Nayagan, which reportedly marks his final film outing before his full-fledged entry into Tamil Nadu politics through his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party ahead of the state assembly elections next year. The film hits theatres ahead of Pongal festival on January 9, 2026.

Lingusamy's notable film credits include Aanandham (2001), Run (2002), Sandakozhi (2005), Paiyaa (2010) and Vettai (2012). His 2014 film Anjaan, starring Suriya, Samantha and Vidyut Jammwal in the lead, was re-released in theatres recently. The film also featured Manoj Bajpayee, Dalip Tahil, Murali Sharma, Joe Malloori, Soori, Chetan Hansraj, Sanjana Singh and Asif Basra in supporting roles. The film followed the story of a disabled man (also played by Suriya), who arrives to Mumbai to find his brother Raju, a gangster.