Vijay is an emotion for the people of Tamil Nadu: Jana Nayagan producer

Jana Nayagan producer Venkat K Narayana said Vijay could grow into a strong administrator as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. More than an actor or a politician, he said Vijay was an emotion for the people of Tamil Nadu.

In Short

• Jana Nayagan producer Venkat K Narayana reacted to Vijay's swearing-in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister
• Narayana backed Vijay's ability as an administrator
• The producer said films helped Vijay connect with ordinary people

Jana Nayagan producer Venkat K Narayana reacted to actor-turned-politician Vijay’s swearing-in as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in Chennai on Sunday, saying he was confident Vijay could grow into a strong administrator. In an exclusive interview with India Today’s Rajdeep Sardesai, Narayana said Vijay would need some time to settle into the role but would be able to bring change.

Narayana said films had played an important role in taking Vijay closer to the people, but added that politics and administration were different altogether. He said Vijay was not just a politician but a leader with strong public backing, and expressed confidence in his ability to deliver once he settled down.

'He'll turn out to be a great administrator'

Speaking about his own association with Vijay and Jana Nayagan, Narayana said, “I’m neither a politician nor a seasoned movie producer. In fact, Jana Nayagan is the first Tamil movie that I’m producing. I am a chartered accountant and lawyer by profession. I used to head one of the largest listed real-estate companies as a CEO for a long time. I like movies. I have a passion for movies. And I liked Mr Vijay Sir as an actor. The moment he said (this would be) his last film, I said I should be part of it.”

He then reflected on Vijay’s journey and went on, “Movies did play a significant role in his life and took him closer to the people, no doubt about that. And politics is a different game altogether. As I said, he’s not just a politician, he’s a leader with the great backing of people. Now we come to administration. This is a different ballgame altogether. I’m very confident. We need to be patient a little and give him some time for him to settle down. He'll turn out to be a great administrator, bringing in change.”

Narayana also pointed to Vijay’s working style on set as proof of his discipline. “I think knowing him well, with the kind of discipline, dedication and the focused approach that he follows, he will be a path-breaker for sure. In movies, I must tell you all the days that we have shot, he’s on the sets at 7 am and the first shot is given at 7:30 am. He’s disciplined, a great listener and a focused man. Once he settles down, he will be a great administrator. That’s what I’m hoping for. And knowing him, I am confident that he’ll be able to deliver,” the producer added.

'People feel him as part of their family'

While highlighting his personal equation with Vijay, Narayana said, "One thing about Vijay, from having seen him closely – I've worked with him for the last two years – he is an emotion for the people of Tamil Nadu and, irrespective of whatever the rating or the review of the movie, if you see him over the years, all of them have done very well at the box office because people just want to come to theatre, see him and celebrate. That's the emotion."

"And people feel him as part of their family, like their brother, son, mama and friends. There is so much of relatability and emotion when it comes to him. I wouldn't be surprised to know that every family in Tamil Nadu has got one Vijay fan," he added.

Vijay's upcoming film, Jana Nayagan, will release soon, producer Venkat K Narayana said at his swearing-in ceremony on May 10. Directed by H Vinoth, it is billed as Vijay’s final film as he has entered politics.

Jana Nayagan's official release date is yet to be announced.

- Ends