In a moment of bittersweet emotions, actor Jiiva shared his complex feelings ahead of the Pongal festival release of his upcoming film. While expressing genuine happiness for his own project, he could not hide his disappointment and sadness over the postponement of fellow superstar Vijay's much-anticipated film, 'Jana Nayagan'.
A Pongal Slot Filled With Mixed Feelings
Speaking at the trailer launch event for his film 'Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimaiyil', Jiiva revealed that the movie is now scheduled to hit screens on January 15. He acknowledged the shift from the original January 30 date, calling the new Pongal slot "destined." The actor made a sincere appeal for audience support for their team's hard work.
However, his joy was tempered by the absence of a major competitor. "As there is a void (because of the postponement of the release of 'Jana Nayagan'), a lot of theatre owners are calling us," Jiiva stated. He clarified that while the team is happy to receive these calls securing more screens, they are equally saddened by the fact that Vijay's film did not make it for the festive season.
Solidarity and Support for Vijay
Jiiva did not miss the opportunity to express his respect and solidarity for actor Vijay. He emphasized that the entire industry is eagerly waiting for 'Jana Nayagan'. "That is because Vijay sir has been supportive to a lot of films, producers, actors, technicians in the last 25 to 30 years," he noted, highlighting Vijay's longstanding contribution to Tamil cinema.
Drawing from personal experience, Jiiva added, "We ourselves have done seven to eight films with him. Definitely our support is there for him. So, obviously, we too are waiting for 'Jana Nayagan'." This statement underscores the camaraderie and mutual respect that exists among industry peers, even amidst box office dynamics.
Inside 'Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimaiyil': A 45-Night Village Saga
Directed by Nithish Sahadev, 'Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimaiyil' marks a significant milestone as Jiiva's 45th film. The production was completed in a brisk 45 days, filmed entirely in a scenic village located in the Western Ghats. Uniquely, the film was shot primarily at night.
"We shot for 40 nights," Jiiva recounted, describing the experience as profoundly pleasant. The actor shared that the unit worked like a close-knit family, and the bond extended to the locals, some of whom have roles in the film. "By the time we wound up shooting, many of us felt sorry that shooting had come to an end," he said, adding that the villagers blessed the team wholeheartedly upon their departure.
The film's narrative centers on a conflict that erupts between two families in the lead-up to a wedding. Jiiva plays the role of a village Panchayat chief tasked with resolving these issues, promising a blend of rural drama and emotional conflict.
The ensemble cast features a mix of seasoned and fresh talent, including Thambi Ramaiya, Ilavarasu, Prathana Nathan, Jensen Dhivakar, Jaiwanth, Meenakshi, Sarjin Kumar, Rajesh Pandian, Subash Kannan, Amith Mohan, Anuraj OB, Sharath, and Savithri.
Behind the scenes, the film is written by Sanjo Joseph, Nithish Sahadev, and Anuraj OB, with Lipin Unni as the creative director. The musical score is by Vishnu Vijay, cinematography by Bablu Aju, editing by Arjune Babu, and art direction by Sunil Kumaran.
As the Pongal release date approaches, Jiiva carries the hopes of his team and the blessings of the villagers who hosted them, all while holding a space of respect for a colleague's delayed cinematic offering.
