Malik Streams Corporation founder Datuk Abdul Malik Dasthigeer, when met by Bernama, said the overwhelming response to ‘Jana Nayagan’ reflected Vijay’s enduring popularity among Malaysian audiences.
KUALA LUMPUR: Tamil blockbuster ‘Jana Nayagan’, starring popular Indian actor-turned-politician and Tamil Nadu chief minister Vijay has made a strong start in Malaysia, having grossed RM3 million in advance ticket sales ahead of its July 23 release across 134 cinemas nationwide.
The film, distributed in Malaysia by Malik Streams Corporation, marks one of the biggest releases in the country for a Tamil-language production.
To mark the film’s Malaysian release, Malik Streams Corporation organised an exclusive special screening at TGV Cinemas, Pavilion Bukit Jalil, here on July 23, attended by 1,245 guests.
Malik Streams Corporation founder Datuk Abdul Malik Dasthigeer, when met by Bernama, said the overwhelming response to ‘Jana Nayagan’ reflected Vijay’s enduring popularity among Malaysian audiences.
On Dec 27, 2025, Malaysia hosted the ‘Jana Nayagan’ audio launch event at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, which attracted about 85,000 fans and earned recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records.
It was also reported that Abdul Malik met Vijay in Chennai recently to congratulate him on assuming office as chief minister and personally extended an invitation for him to visit Malaysia.
He expressed hope that Malaysia would become Vijay’s first overseas destination after taking office, saying such a visit would strengthen the longstanding cultural, tourism and economic ties between Malaysia and Tamil Nadu.
“Malaysia and Tamil Nadu share deep historical, cultural and people-to-people ties that span generations. We look forward to welcoming the Honourable Chief Minister to Malaysia and further strengthening cooperation in tourism, trade, investment, education and the creative industries,” he said.
During the meeting, Abdul Malik also presented Vijay with a copy of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s book, ‘Rethinking Ourselves: Justice, Reform and Ignorance in Postnormal Times’.
The book bore a handwritten message from Anwar that read: “Dear Chief Minister Vijay, Congratulations. Looking forward to further collaboration – against corruption and for good governance.”
Anwar had earlier spoken to Vijay by telephone to congratulate him on his appointment as chief minister.
During the conversation, the two leaders discussed strengthening ties between Malaysia and Tamil Nadu, while Anwar also expressed hope of making a brief visit to Tamil Nadu during his planned trip to India for the BRICS Summit.
Vijay, 52, whose full name is C. Joseph Vijay, was sworn in as chief minister of Tamil Nadu on May 10 after his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), won the highest number of seats in the closely contested state election and secured the support needed to form the state government.
