A decade before Vijay's proposed entry to full-time politics, one of his film titles was banned in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. It was the first time sparks of curiosity spread about the actor's political entry. Thalaivaa, directed by Vijay (Deiva Thirumagal), was at the heart of controversies due to its tagline 'Time To Lead' and bomb threats from an unknown individual warning against the screening of the film.
The state government which was led by the then late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, had denied protection for the film's release citing law and order issues and lack of police personnel. Reportedly, the director and actor went to Kodanadu to meet the CM inorder to request for a smooth release but in vain. Following their unsuccessful attempt, Vijay had released a public video where he sought the help of the CM and state police to make necessary arrangements for Thalaivaa's unhindered release.
After a release on August 9 across India except for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, fans travelled to neighbouring states to catch a glimpse of their favourite star. To further add to existing issues, a fan died by suicide expressing his condemnation of banning the film in the state. Thalaivaa was also a victim of piracy as several illegal CDs began selling like hotcakes. In his message, Vijay had also requested his fans to remain calm and report those to engage in piracy.
Thalaivaa was eventually released after 11 days after its originally planned release on August 20 in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The tagline was removed from all publicity materians and promotional content after a request from Vendhar Movies, which distributed the political drama across the state. It went on to earn mostly positive reviews and cashed in Rs 63.50 crore in India. It also made Rs 13.46 crore overseas, for a worldwide total of Rs 76.96 crore.
The film starred Amala Paul, Sathyaraj, Santhanam, Abhimanyu Singh, Ragini Nandwani, Nassar and Rajeev Pillai in prominent roles. It revolved around Vishwa (Vijay), a dancer who also who runs a small business. After finding out that his father Ramadurai (Sathyaraj), an underworld don is killed by an enemy, he takes up his position to take revenge against those who conspired against his father, leading to his death.
Vijay continued speaking about politics and social injustice in films like Kaththi (2014), Mersal (2017), and Sarkar (2018) which is his most politically loaded film, among others. He is currently awaiting the release of Jana Nayagan, a political action film. The H Vinoth directorial will mark Vijay's final film before his entry to full-fledged politics under his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party.
While much details about the film's plot remains unknown, it is expected that it will carry many references and dialogues mirroring the current political scenario in the state and the country. The film stars Vijay, Pooja Hegde and Bobby Deol in the lead roles, alongside Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj, Narain, Priyamani, Shruti Haasan, Mamitha Baiju, Monisha Blessy and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar and will release in theatres on January 9, 2026 on the occasion of Pongal.
