'I am very sad, but...': Pooja talks about Thalapathy Vijay

In an emotional revelation, actor Pooja Hegde has expressed her support for Tamil superstar Vijay's decision to step away from cinema to pursue a career in politics. Hegde, who is working with Vijay in the upcoming film Jana Nayagan, shared her feelings about the actor's exit, admitting she was saddened by his decision but wholeheartedly supported his new journey.

Vijay, who is poised to mark his departure from the film industry, has been increasingly involved in politics, having launched his own political party, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam, last year. His upcoming film Jana Nayagan, directed by H. Vinoth, is expected to be his final project before he embarks on his full-time political career.

"I am very sad about Vijay's decision to move on from films, especially since I’ve always enjoyed watching him on screen," Pooja said in a recent interview. "But I also fully support his journey, and I’m rooting for him. More power to him."

The actor, who starred alongside Vijay in the 2022 hit movie Beast, will reunite with him in Jana Nayagan, a film which is already generating considerable excitement. The film’s release is highly anticipated, as it may be Vijay's last hurrah in the world of cinema.

Vijay's final film: Jana Nayagan

Jana Nayagan has already created a buzz with its first-look poster, which features Vijay in a commanding pose, standing on an elevated platform while taking a selfie with his massive fanbase. The image reflects the deep connection between the actor and his loyal supporters, a central theme of the film. Fans have flocked to social media, praising the poster and commenting on the actor's signature style and the anticipation surrounding the movie’s release.

The title of the film, Jana Nayagan, translates to "The People’s Leader", perfectly aligning with Vijay's image as a beloved figure within the Tamil film industry. The title also hints at the actor's future political aspirations, reflecting his ongoing engagement with social causes and his significant following.

What to expect from Jana Nayagan

Directed by H. Vinoth, Jana Nayagan will not only mark Vijay's swan song in the film industry but also features an ensemble cast, including Pooja Hegde, who returns after their collaboration in Beast. Other notable cast members include Bobby Deol, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj, Narain, Priyamani, Mamitha Baiju, Monisha Blessy, and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, among others.

The film is being produced by Venkat K. Narayana under the banner of KVN Productions, with music composed by the renowned Anirudh Ravichander. Cinematography is handled by Sathyan Sooryan, while Pradeep E. Ragav is responsible for editing.

A groundbreaking film

Jana Nayagan is expected to be a massive hit, given Vijay's iconic status and the film’s gripping storyline. Scheduled for release on 17 October 2025, the movie will likely be a highly emotional and significant moment for Vijay’s fans as they bid farewell to the actor's cinematic journey.

Vijay’s last film, The Greatest of All Time, directed by Venkat Prabhu, was a success, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 2024. This latest venture promises to be a fitting end to his glorious career in front of the camera.

Vijay’s transition into politics

With Jana Nayagan expected to be his final film, Vijay is set to focus fully on his political career. His decision to leave the film industry has been met with mixed reactions, with fans expressing sadness at the prospect of no longer seeing their idol on the big screen. However, his admirers are equally excited about the new chapter in his life, with many seeing his political entry as the next logical step for a man who has always been deeply engaged with the welfare of the people.

In the wake of his departure from films, Pooja Hegde, who has shared the screen with Vijay in two major films now, praised his decision, stating that while it’s difficult to imagine him leaving cinema, she respects his choice and supports his path forward. "I’ll always be a fan of his, and I’m proud to have been part of his journey," she added.

As Vijay takes this monumental step, Jana Nayagan will undoubtedly be remembered not just as a film, but as a pivotal moment in his illustrious career. For his fans, it’s not just the end of an era in Tamil cinema; it marks the beginning of a new and exciting political journey for the star they’ve long admired.