Actor-politician Vijay hails Malaysia’s Tamil community for sustaining language and cinema, at record-breaking audio launch for his final film
KUALA LUMPUR: Popular South Indian actor and politician Vijay has highlighted Malaysia’s multicultural landscape as a key factor in keeping the Tamil language and cinema alive globally.
Addressing a massive crowd at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, he said Malaysia stands out among overseas markets for both its audience size and its preservation of Tamil culture within a diverse society.
Vijay noted that after Sri Lanka, Malaysia is home to one of the largest Tamil communities outside India, making it a critical pillar in the global Tamil cultural ecosystem.
“Malaysia is special because Tamil culture here has grown alongside other cultures, languages and faiths,” he said to thundering applause at the event organised by Malik Streams Corporation.
He said this coexistence has allowed Tamil cinema and traditions to remain alive across generations.
Highlighting Malaysia’s multicultural harmony, Vijay said inclusivity reflects the Tamil philosophy of ‘Yaadhum Oorey, Yaavarum Kelir’, meaning every place is home and everyone is kin.
Vijay also said Malaysia’s consistent engagement with Tamil films has made the country a respected reference point within the industry.
“Sometimes, simply hearing the name of a film brings Malaysia to mind,” he said, recalling that two of his films ‘Kuruvi’ and ‘Kaavalan’ were shot in Malaysia.
Reflecting on his 33-year film career, Vijay said his fans had stood by him during his most difficult periods, including early criticism and hardship.
“My fans stood by me during the toughest times of my life,” he stated.
He added that ‘Jana Nayagan’ will be his final film before transitioning fully into politics, as a gesture of gratitude to his supporters.
Vijay recently launched his political party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam and is its official chief minister candidate for the 2026 Tamil Nadu State Assembly election.
The audio launch event was attended by prominent figures from the Tamil film industry, including music director Anirudh Ravichander and actor-director Prabhu Deva.
The event, which ran for nearly 10 hours, has entered the Malaysia Book of Records for the highest number of attendees at an audio launch in the country.
Produced by KVN Productions, ‘Jana Nayagan’ is scheduled for release in cinemas on 9 January 2026
