As Pongal 2026 approaches, the Tamil film industry is buzzing not only with excitement for two major releases but also with the story of a potential clash that was nearly averted. Sivakarthikeyan, the star of the upcoming film "Parasakthi," revealed that he initially attempted to shift his film's release date after learning that Thalapathy Vijay's "Jana Nayagan" was also slated for a Pongal release. "Parasakthi" is scheduled to hit theaters on January 10, 2026, while "Jana Nayagan" will be released on January 9, 2026.
Sivakarthikeyan admitted to being "shocked" upon realizing that "Parasakthi" would be competing with "Jana Nayagan," especially given the widespread anticipation surrounding Vijay's film, which is rumored to be his last before fully transitioning into politics. According to sources, "Jana Nayagan" is expected to add strength to Vijay's political narrative as he attempts to challenge established political forces in Tamil Nadu.
Driven by a desire to avoid a direct box office confrontation, Sivakarthikeyan contacted "Parasakthi's" producer, Akash Bhaskaran, to explore the possibility of postponing the release. However, he learned that investors had already been informed about the Pongal release, and any postponement would mean releasing the film in the summer of 2026, coinciding with the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. This presented another challenge, as it could potentially politicize the film's release.
Sivakarthikeyan then reached out to Vijay's manager, Jagadish, to discuss the situation. To Sivakarthikeyan's relief, Vijay himself weighed in on the matter, assuring him that there was ample space for both films to succeed during the Pongal season and conveyed his best wishes for "Parasakthi".
With the blessing from Vijay, Sivakarthikeyan is now encouraging fans to celebrate both films. "Everyone, please go and watch 'Jana Nayagan' on January 9 and celebrate it," he stated. "We are talking about a man who has entertained us for 33 years. After that, on January 10, come to the theaters, watch 'Parasakthi,' and celebrate that as well". He also brushed aside any rumors of a rift with Vijay, emphasizing their positive relationship and recalling his cameo appearance in Vijay's previous film, "The GOAT".
The clash between "Jana Nayagan" and "Parasakthi" has garnered attention due to its potential political undertones. "Parasakthi," produced by Dawn Pictures, which is reportedly associated with DMK-linked interests, revolves around the Anti-Hindi agitations in Tamil Nadu that happened in 1965. Some suggest that the preponement of "Parasakthi's" release to clash with "Jana Nayagan" is a politically motivated move to undermine Vijay's box office success and image ahead of his political entry.
Despite the speculations, both films are expected to run in a significant number of screens across Tamil Nadu, setting the stage for a box office battle during the Pongal holiday season. Advance bookings for "Jana Nayagan" have already commenced, with pre-sales figures crossing ₹20 crore. "Parasakthi's" release date was moved from January 15 to January 10.
As Pongal approaches, the Tamil film industry and fans alike are eagerly anticipating the release of both "Jana Nayagan" and "Parasakthi," hoping for a festive season filled with entertainment and celebration.
