Bollywood actor Bobby Deol is currently working alongside 'Thalapathy' Vijay in the upcoming Tamil film Jana Nayagan. This film is generating significant buzz, particularly because it is widely believed to be Vijay's last film before he embarks on a full-time career in politics.
Deol, who is also known for his roles in Animal, Kanguva, and Daaku Maharaaj, has expressed his admiration for Vijay, describing him as a "sweetheart" and a "massive star". He noted Vijay's humble and down-to-earth nature, which has resonated with fans who have long admired the Tamil superstar for his simplicity and approachability both on and off the screen.
In a recent interview with Faridoon Shahryar, Deol shared insights into working with Vijay on Jana Nayagan. He recounted being informed by the film crew that they would primarily be shooting within studios. The reason for this was Vijay's immense popularity; Deol was told that "if Thalapathy Vijay sir goes out, people gather around, and we won't be able to work. He is that big of a star".
Jana Nayagan, directed by H. Vinoth, is anticipated to be a political action drama. The film has been officially announced in September 2024, initially under the tentative title Thalapathy 69, marking Vijay's 69th film as a lead actor. The official title was revealed in January 2025.
The film boasts a talented cast, including Pooja Hegde, Priyamani, and Mamitha Baiju. Anirudh Ravichander is composing the music, Sathyan Sooryan is handling the cinematography, and Pradeep E. Ragav is in charge of editing.
Jana Nayagan is scheduled for a theatrical release on January 9, 2026, coinciding with the Pongal season. The first glimpse of the film, titled "The First Roar," was unveiled on June 22, 2025, on the occasion of Vijay's 51st birthday. The film's poster features Vijay taking a selfie with a large crowd in the backdrop.
Deol also reflected on his experiences working in South Indian cinema, including his role in Kanguva. He praised Nandamuri Balakrishna, referring to him as a "star of the masses". He also expressed his desire to work with Suriya again, despite Kanguva not performing well, stating that "he is a great actor, but the script went wrong".
Vijay's decision to enter politics has been a major topic of discussion among fans and the media. In February 2025, Vijay announced the launch of his political party, Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam, with the intention of contesting the 2026 Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. He has expressed concerns about "administrative deterioration," corruption, and "divisive politics". Despite his political aspirations, Vijay is reportedly dedicating around 15 days each month to the shooting of Jana Nayagan, demonstrating his commitment to completing the film.