The Tamil cinema scene is buzzing with excitement as two major films prepare to clash this Pongal. Vijay’s much-anticipated final film, Jana Nayagan, is set to release alongside Sivakarthikeyan’s Parasakthi. The competition has already stirred tensions, particularly when a theatre in Tamil Nadu opted for Parasakthi over Jana Nayagan, sparking backlash from Vijay’s fans.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Vasu Cinemas in Kumbakonam explained their decision to screen Parasakthi. They cited “several reasons” for the choice while reminding fans of their long-standing support for Vijay’s films over the past 15 years, with only a few exceptions. This included popular movies such as Nanban and Sarkar.
The theatre management voiced their concerns after receiving intense criticism online following their announcement. They described the negative reactions, filled with vulgarity and abuse, as disturbing to their mental health. In their comments, the management emphasized that choosing Parasakthi didn’t reflect any disrespect towards Vijay, acknowledging his significance as both a star and a person. They urged fans to celebrate his final film instead of resorting to hostility.
Despite the theatre’s plea for understanding, many of Vijay’s fans remained unyielding. Some voiced their grievances online, expressing discontent over the theatre’s decision not to screen Jana Nayagan. Fans lamented that Vijay had significantly contributed to the revival of theatres during the Covid pandemic but felt neglected and disrespected by the theatre’s choice.
Jana Nayagan, directed by H Vinoth, marks an important milestone in Vijay’s career as he prepares to transition into politics with his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party. The film, featuring a notable cast that includes Mamitha Baiju, Pooja Hegde, and Bobby Deol, is rumored to be a remake of Bhagavanth Kesari. It will officially hit theaters on January 9, a day before Parasakthi‘s release on January 10, which is directed by Sudha Kongara and stars Sivakarthikeyan, Sreeleela, and Ravi Mohan.
With both films generating significant hype, the Pongal festival promises to be a pivotal moment for fans and the industry alike, showcasing the passion and intensity that characterizes Tamil cinema’s fervent audience.