Filmmaker Atlee has recalled how actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay reacted when he got the opportunity to direct Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan, a project that marked a major turning point in his career.
Atlee spoke about Vijay while attending the audio launch of Vijay Sethupathi’s upcoming film Baththa in Chennai. During his speech, the filmmaker credited Vijay with playing an important role in his journey in the Tamil film industry.
Atlee said that while his success came through his own hard work, he also owed a great deal to Vijay. He recalled that after making Raja Rani in 2013, his career received a major boost when he went on to work with Vijay on Theri, Mersal and Bigil.
According to Atlee, those films helped him grow as a filmmaker and gave him opportunities to take his career to another level.
He then recalled the moment when Shah Rukh Khan approached him for Jawan. Atlee said that when he met Shah Rukh at his office, the Bollywood superstar encouraged him to take up the project and told him that the film could change the course of his career.
Atlee said Vijay was supportive of the decision and that the opportunity eventually became a significant milestone for him. Jawan, starring Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role, went on to become a major commercial success after its release in 2023.
Atlee also spoke about Vijay's transition from cinema to politics. He said that although he may not get another opportunity to work with Vijay in the same way because of his political responsibilities, he still considers the actor-turned-politician his brother.
During the event, Atlee also shared his views on Vijay's new political role. He said that Vijay's entry into active politics had increased interest in political affairs among younger people.
Atlee suggested that a new generation was becoming more interested in political discussions and the functioning of the state government. His comments came after Vijay became Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister in May 2026.
Atlee's speech also highlighted his long association with Vijay. The two worked together on three successful films — Theri, Mersal and Bigil — before Atlee moved into Hindi cinema with Jawan.
After Jawan, Atlee began work on his next major project, the science-fiction film Raaka, which stars Allu Arjun and Deepika Padukone.
Meanwhile, Vijay has stepped away from his acting career after Jana Nayagan, his final film, and has since focused on his political role. His official profile identifies him as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and leader of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
Atlee's latest comments offer a glimpse into the professional relationship between the filmmaker and Vijay, while also recalling the advice and encouragement that preceded one of the biggest changes in Atlee's career.
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