The Tamil Nadu elections are scheduled for April 23, and the road leading to them has been marred by inappropriate comments about actresses and delayed film releases so far. Amid this storm, a Tamil film titled TN 2026, starring Natty Natraj, is scheduled to be released on April 10. Vijay’s fans and TVK leader Aadhav Arjuna question why Jana Nayagan’s release could violate the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) but a spoof of the actor-TVK chief won’t. (Also Read: Vijay says he needs ‘justice’ for Jana Nayagan delay and Karur stampede as he alleges ‘conspiracy’ around TN elections)
What is TN 2026 all about?
Directed by actor-turned-director Umapathy, son of veteran actor-filmmaker Thambi Ramaiah, TN 2026 stars Natty, Redin Kingsley, Thambi Ramaiah, MS Baskar, Ilavarasu, Shrrita Rao, Chandini Tamilarasan, Yashika Anand, and Thalaivasal Vijay.
A recently-released teaser for the film shows the protagonist, ‘Golden Star’ Gulkand Kumar, who transitions from acting to politics. Natty’s Gulkand is dressed in a white shirt and brown trousers, sports salt-and-pepper hair and even walks in a manner that many believe is a parody of Vijay. Characters in the film mock his decision to become a politician.
The teaser ends with a parody of Vijay’s well-known political slogan, “Oru sakthi parasakthi, DMK oru theeya sakthi (One is cosmic energy, DMK is an evil force).”
How did fans and TVK leader react?
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) candidate Aadhav Arjuna questioned how a spoof like TN 2026 can be released but not Jana Nayagan. He spoke to the press and said, as translated by The Federal, “When Jana Nayagan can’t release, how can a politically charged film like this be released ahead of the election? They earlier released Parasakthi, which didn’t even run for a day. This will also face a similar fate.” He also blamed political parties for this move.
Fans were also up in arms about a film that, like TN 2026, they think spoofs Vijay getting a release date so close to the elections. “Just googled the movie “TN 2026” It is releasing on April 10th. Within Model code of conduct. Is this not a brazen attempt to influence voters negatively against @TVKVijayHQ?” questioned an X (formerly Twitter) user. “#TN2026 Teaser. Natty Resembles *Thalapathy Vijay. Thambi Ramaiah Resembles *Bussy Anand,” claimed another.
One fan even urged the Election Commission to stall TN 2026’s release, writing, “The upcoming release of the movie “[TN 2026 (Thanga Natchathiram)]” appears to be a direct violation of the Model Code of Conduct during this election season. This film is clearly aimed at influencing voters in favor of/against a specific political party. I urge the Election Commission to intervene and stay the release until elections are over to ensure a level playing field.”
“We’ve got Jana Nayagan spoof version’s release date even before Jana Nayagan,” joked an X user, while another claimed, “A Sarpanch from Maharashtra once said he’ll bring Virat Kohli to campaign for him but brought a doppelganger instead. Likewise @TNelectionsCEO is yet to give clearance to #JanaNayagan but has shown no objection to this film called #TN2026 despite MCC.”
“How does this not flout the Moral code of conduct releasing on April 10, when a movie which appears to spoof a political leader Thalapathy Vijay, on cusp of election?” questioned an incensed fan, while another wrote, “This Movie Will Create New Controversies for sure…Dialogues & Scenes showcased is completely Supporting Thalapathy @actorvijay & TVK, But Movie ??? We should Wait & watch! #TN2026 April 10 Release in theaters.”
For the unversed, Jana Nayagan was delayed from its January 9th release due to a lack of CBFC certification. The film was sent to the revising committee following a complaint by an examining committee member. The producer, KVN Productions, approached courts but found no relief. The film cannot be released now, even if cleared by the CBFC, as the MCC has kicked in. Jana Nayagan is touted to be Vijay’s final film before he enters politics with the TVK party. After filing his nomination at Trichy, Vijay told his followers he needed ‘justice’ for the film’s delayed release and the Karur stampede.
