Atlee reveals CM Vijay's advice after SRK approached him for Jawan

Filmmaker Atlee has recalled how Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and actor Vijay encouraged him to take up Jawan when Shah Rukh Khan approached him for the film. Speaking at the audio launch of Vijay Sethupathi’s Baththa in Chennai on Friday, Atlee said Vijay urged him to take the opportunity, assuring him that the film would change the course of his career. Atlee said that is exactly what happened, as Jawan went on to mark a major turning point in his career.At the event, Atlee also reflected on Vijay’s role in his journey, recalling how their collaborations on Theri, Mersal and Bigil followed the success of Raja Rani. He said that while his achievements came through his own hard work, Vijay’s support and encouragement played an important role in shaping his career.Atlee remembered the period when Shah Rukh Khan approached him for Jawan. He said Vijay encouraged him to take up the opportunity instead of worrying about how he would handle a Hindi film with a superstar of Shah Rukh’s stature.“When Shah Rukh sir came to my office, we had a meeting. He (Vijay) told me, look, I don't care what you do or how you handle it, just stop hovering around me. Please go ahead and do that film; it will change the course of your career. My life changed, and I am thankful to Vijay anna,” said Atlee. The director then added, “The shirt, pants, and watch I wear today I earned through hard work. But I also think it’s because of my anna, Thalapathy Vijay. Without him, there’s absolutely no chance.”#Atlee Thanks to #ThalapathyVijay :“I might’ve got this shirt, this pant, and this watch with my hard work.. But en annan, en Thalapathy illana, chance'ey kedayadhu. I became famous after Raja Rani, but that man gave me a life, back to back, back to back.. When Shah Rukh— Laxmi Kanth (@iammoviebuff007) September 18, 2026Reflecting on his career, Atlee said that while everything he has today came from his own hard work, he would not have reached the same position without Vijay’s support. He recalled that Raja Rani (2013) gave him recognition, after which Vijay backed him through a string of films, including Theri (2016), Mersal (2017) and Bigil (2019). The director then addressed the possibility of people assuming that he repeatedly speaks about Vijay because he wants to work with him again. He said that Vijay is now the Chief Minister and added that, regardless of that, he would always remain his “brother”.Atlee on Vijay’s political journeyAtlee also spoke about Vijay’s transition from cinema to politics. He said he believed Vijay’s entry into politics had encouraged greater interest in political affairs among younger people.“I am from a previous generation; I have never seen assembly sessions. But now, even a five-year-old is watching assembly in the morning. I think Vijay anna is creating a solid generation; there’s no doubt about it,” Atlee said.The 39-year-old director further said that people should think for themselves and understand what is right for society. His comments came amid social media discussion surrounding remarks made by Vijay Sethupathi and speculation about their possible references to Vijay. Atlee separately urged people not to get caught up in indirect statements or online narratives and said issues should be addressed directly.Vijay Sethupathi also spoke about his fondness for Thalapathy Vijay. During the event, the actor warmly spoke about the Chief Minister, recalling a personal interaction involving Vijay’s son Jason Sanjay.Vijay Sethupathi’s comments about Vijay came amid recent social media discussions over remarks he made on Bigg Boss Tamil, which some viewers interpreted as indirect references to the actor, although Sethupathi did not name him.#Atlee about #CMVijay's Rule :"Next Generation will be solid in politics.. The Only reason is Vijay annan.. I'm not speaking politics.. I have been in my previous generation.. I have never seen the assembly.. But now, a 5 year old is watching assembly in the morning.. I think— Laxmi Kanth (@iammoviebuff007) September 18, 2026Sethupathi also recalled wishing Vijay’s son, Jason Sanjay, on his birthday and being surprised when Vijay personally called him in response.“I wished Sanjay on his birthday. He called me and said, ‘Friend, thank you so much. He was very happy.’ I didn’t expect that because he’s a big superstar, and I was surprised that Sanjay liked me,” he said.“I told him, ‘Hey, how lucky you are to have such a big star in your house?’” Sethupathi recalled.Sethupathi further shared that Jason Sanjay later sent him a hug through actor Rohan, telling him, “Tell him I sent him a hug.”Meanwhile, Baththa marks the third collaboration between Vijay Sethupathi and Balaji Tharaneetharan. The duo previously worked together on Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom and Seethakathi. Given their previous collaborations, the film has considerable expectations riding on it.Apart from Sethupathi, Baththa also stars Lijomol Jose in an important role. Balaji Tharaneetharan has also written the film.The film is slated to release in theatres on October 1.- EndsPublished By: Prachi aryaPublished On: Sep 19, 2026 14:19 IST