Sai Pallavi and director Rajkumar Periasamy got emotional discussing Vijay’s final film promo, Jana Nayagan. During a promotional interview for their upcoming movie OM, Sai shared how Rajkumar broke down after seeing the clip. Rajkumar said, "He's very special, yes." The team spoke about their deep respect for Vijay.
Director Rajkumar Periasamy recently took part in a promotional interview to promote his upcoming film OM, starring Dhanush and Mammootty. The film's female leads, Sai Pallavi and Sreeleela, accompanied him. During the interview, Rajkumar almost teared up when the host showed him a picture of Tamil Nadu chief minister and superstar C Joseph Vijay. Sai recalled their reactions when they first saw the 'one last time' promo for Vijay's final film, Jana Nayagan.
Sai Pallavi, Rajkumar Periasamy about Vijay and Jana Nayagan
The OM team spoke to anchor Dhivyadharshini for a promotional interview with Behindwoods TV. When the host showed a picture of Rajkumar and Vijay, Sai said, "If I know somebody who's a big fan of Vijay sir, it's Rajkumar sir. I don't know whether I was in the shoot or something else...I'll say?" asking him if it's okay for her to reveal something.
When he agreed to it, she said, "His (Vijay) last film was yet to be released and had a promo called 'one last time'. I am a very emotional person. I didn't want to cry because it wouldn't look good. I turned around, and he (Rajkumar) was actually crying. I've never seen sir cry. It's okay for him to cry in public. But I've never seen him do it."
Rajkumar then spoke emotionally about the picture and said, "This picture was taken in 2024 on November 26, at AR Murugadoss sir's birthday, before he (Vijay) became the CM. It has been two years, but it was a very special meeting. He told a lot of personal things....even now I'm tearing up. He's very special, yes."
Sai stated that Rajkumar is such a fan that he will defend Vijay to this day. "I've seen him actually feel like he's family. He's someone who'll also speak up for Vijay sir. He told me he's someone who will make up his mind and do it for the people," she said. OM is Rajkumar's third film after Rangoon (2017) and Amaran (2024), with the latter also starring Sai. It will be released in theatres on November 20.
Vijay's transition from cinema to politics
In 2024, Vijay announced that he would contest the Tamil Nadu elections and launched his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). After extensive campaigning, he won the election this year and took charge in May, having secured a majority. This was the first time in the state's history that a non-Dravidian party took charge.
His final film, Jana Nayagan, directed by H Vinoth and co-starring Mamitha Baiju, Bobby Deol and Pooja Hegde, was released in theatres in July. The film was supposed to be released for Pongal but was delayed due to CBFC issues. It received lukewarm reviews and grossed ₹324 crore worldwide.