At the Jana Nayagan audio launch in Malaysia, Blockbuster director Atlee delivered a heartfelt tribute to Thalapathy Vijay, celebrating not only the actor’s legendary career but also the deep personal bond they share. Held at the National Stadium Bukit Jalil and titled Thalapathy Thiruvizha, the event marked a significant milestone as Thalapathy Vijay prepares for what is being described as his final film, turning the evening into a powerful celebration of legacy and gratitude.
During his speech, Atlee reflected on his journey, recalling how the Thalapathy Vijay encouraged him during his early days as an assistant director. Highlighting Vijay’s humility, Atlee said, “When I was an assistant director, on my last day he called me and told me, ‘You are working really well. If you have a story, come and tell me.’ At that time, he had already completed 50 films. No big star would do that.”
He then affectionately summed up their bond by calling Vijay “my brother, my Thalapathy,” a line that instantly struck an emotional chord with fans. Atlee went on to describe the bond they share using a moving life analogy that resonated deeply with the audience.
“In life, we meet three kinds of people, leaves who come and go, branches that break in a storm, and roots who never leave you. My Vijay brother is that root.” – Atlee
The director–actor duo has delivered some of Tamil cinema’s biggest blockbusters together, including Theri (2016), Mersal (2017), and Bigil (2019), films that not only dominated the box office but also strengthened their creative partnership.
The emotional peak of the evening came when Atlee, overwhelmed with emotion, ran across the stage to hug Vijay, who embraced him warmly and kissed him on the shoulder, drawing thunderous applause from fans. The moment, now viral across social media, perfectly captured their brother-like bond. With music by Anirudh Ravichander and a grand live orchestra elevating the night, the Jana Nayagan audio launch became a memorable tribute to cinema, collaboration, and a friendship that continues to leave a lasting mark on Tamil cinema.