With Thalapathy Vijay confirming his 69th film ‘Jana Nayagan’ set to release this October will be his last, Tamil cinema is witnessing the close of its superstar era, leaving the industry at a crossroads.

On February 26, at the first-anniversary meeting of his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Vijay officially announced his decision to quit acting after Jana Nayagan, directed by H. Vinoth. The actor, known for his blockbuster hits and massive fan following, stated that his focus will now shift entirely to politics and the welfare of Tamil Nadu.

The news has stirred mixed reactions—while fans are eager for his final film, many are emotional over his departure. Addressing skeptics, Vijay had earlier reaffirmed his commitment to politics, saying, “I have thrown away the peak of my career and my salary… I’m here as your Vijay, with trust in you all.”

Vijay’s journey in cinema spans three decades, starting as a child artist in films like Vetri and Kudumbam, before making his lead debut in Naalaiya Theerpu (1992). Over the years, he starred in 68 films, with his last release being G.O.A.T.

His exit marks a major shift in the Tamil film industry. Apart from being one of India’s highest-paid actors, Vijay’s films have been a cornerstone of Tamil Nadu’s box office revenue. With Rajinikanth nearing retirement, Kamal Haasan balancing politics and films, and Ajith shifting focus to car racing, Tamil cinema faces a void in star power.

The industry, already grappling with OTT competition and declining theatre footfall, now faces the challenge of sustaining its mass appeal without its biggest stars.