‘Without my Thalapathy, there was no chance...’ Atlee gets candid about Vijay at ‘Baththa’ event

Filmmaker Atlee had plenty to talk about at the audio launch of ‘Baththa’, but one of the most personal parts of his speech was about his bond with Thalapathy Vijay and the role the actor has played in his career.

Speaking at the event in Chennai, Atlee recalled how Vijay backed him at several important points in his journey, including when he got the opportunity to direct Shah Rukh Khan in ‘Jawan’. He also spoke about Vijay’s transition from cinema to politics and said he believes the actor has brought a new generation closer to politics.

Atlee, who made his directorial debut with ‘Raja Rani’ in 2013, went on to direct Vijay in ‘Theri’, ‘Mersal’ and ‘Bigil’. At the ‘Baththa’ audio launch, he reflected on how much those collaborations meant to his career.

“I might have got this shirt, these pants and this watch through my hard work. But without my anna, my Thalapathy, there was no chance. I became famous after Raja Rani, but that man gave me a life, back to back, back to back,” Atlee said.

He then recalled Vijay’s reaction when Atlee got the opportunity to work with Shah Rukh Khan.

“When Shah Rukh sir came to my office, Vijay anna told me, ‘I don't know what you are going to do, but please do that film. Your life will change.’

Atlee eventually directed Shah Rukh Khan in ‘Jawan’, which went on to become a major commercial success and marked the filmmaker's Hindi debut.

The director also made it clear that his repeated references to Vijay were not an attempt to secure another film with the actor.

“Don’t think I’m using Vijay anna’s name on every stage because I’m expecting him to give me another film. He’s not going to give me another film because he has become the Chief Minister. Even so, he is my brother. Our brother is still our brother.”

Vijay became Tamil Nadu Chief Minister in May 2026 after his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam formed the state government.

Atlee also spoke about Vijay’s move into politics, saying he believes it has made younger people more interested in political affairs.

“The next generation will be strong in politics. The only reason is Vijay anna. I’m not speaking politics. I have seen the previous generation. I have never watched the Assembly. But now, a five-year-old is watching the Assembly in the morning,” he said.

He added, “I think Vijay anna is creating a strong generation. There is no denying it. Politics is for us. No one can influence us. We know what to do, and we will just do what is right for society.”

The comments came amid attention around Vijay’s political career and recent discussions involving Vijay Sethupathi. Atlee also addressed speculation about a supposed rift between the two actors, with reports noting that he urged people not to fall for narratives designed to create conflict.

Atlee is presenting Baththa, which stars Vijay Sethupathi in the lead role. The film marks the third collaboration between Sethupathi and director Balaji Tharaneetharan, following Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom and Seethakaathi.

Lijomol Jose also stars in the film, with Ajay Ghosh among the supporting cast. Sai Abhyankkar has composed the music, while Selva Kumar SK handles cinematography.

The film has been presented by Atlee and backed by A For Apple Studios, Cine1 Studios and Star Studio18. Baththa is scheduled to release worldwide in theatres on October 1, 2026.