Fans celebrate 11 years of Vijay's 'Thalaivaa': A look at how Vijay's film turned out as the most controversial film of the actor

Vijay, a leading figure in South Indian cinema, has delivered numerous memorable films throughout his career. However, his 2013 release 'Thalaivaa' stands out as the most controversial film of his career. As 'Thalaivaa' marks its 11th anniversary today, fans are taking to social media to commemorate the film. Here’s a closer look at why 'Thalaivaa' became such a contentious project for Vijay.






During the release of 'Kaavalan' in 2011, Vijay faced challenges but received support from J Jayalalitha, who was the opposition leader in Tamil Nadu at that time. This assistance facilitated a smooth release for the film. However, the situation changed with 'Thalaivaa,' which featured the subtitle 'Time To Lead.' By 2013, Jayalalitha had become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and the subtitle provoked her administration. The ruling party demanded that the film’s subtitle be removed and requested a special screening to ensure it was not politically charged. Initially, the filmmakers resisted both demands, leading to significant complications for the film's release.

Eventually, the filmmakers agreed to remove the subtitle 'Time To Lead,' but their refusal to conduct a special screening resulted in a release ban in Tamil Nadu. Consequently, 'Thalaivaa' premiered on August 9 in other states, with fans traveling across borders to see it. Once released, the film demonstrated that it had no political undertones, and it was finally released in Tamil Nadu on August 20. Despite the delays and the circulation of pirated versions online, 'Thalaivaa' performed well at the box office and became a significant and memorable film for Vijay due to the adversity it faced.

Additionally, Vijay's experience with 'Thalaivaa' may have played a role in his subsequent decision to enter politics, linking his film career with his political aspirations.