Actor Natty, (right) who plays Gulkand Kumar, dresses like Vijay and sports a grey-flecked beard in the film, 'TN 2026'
'TN 2026' teaser sparks row over Vijay parody; 'DMK-BJP ploy', says Aadhav Arjuna
Director Umapathy's political satire draws backlash from Vijay fans while others hail it as a timely parody, but questions loom over its release timing amid MCC
A political firestorm has erupted in poll-bound Tamil Nadu following the release of the teaser for the upcoming Tamil film – TN 2026.
The movie’s protagonist, 'Golden Star' Gulkand Kumar, appears to be a thinly-veiled caricature of actor-turned-politician Vijay, mirroring his real-life transition from the silver screen to the leadership of a new political party - the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
Just like Vijay...
Actor Natty, who plays Gulkand Kumar, is seen sporting a white shirt and brown trousers, an outfit strikingly similar to what Vijay regularly wears at his political rallies. He also sports a grey-flecked white beard, and the way he walks is also said to be similar to the Tamil star's gait.
Characters in the film are shown mocking the hero's decision to become a politician, and the teaser ends with a thinly-veiled parody of Vijay's well-known political slogan, "Om Sakthi Para Sakthi, DMK Oru Theeya Sakthi", leaving little to the imagination about who the film is targeting. There are many such references to Vijay, which are unmistakably aimed at the superstar actor.
Fans furious, others impressed
The teaser triggered swift and sharp backlash from Vijay's fanbase, who slammed the film as a deliberate and disrespectful attack on their leader. However, a section of viewers has praised TN 2026 as a bold, topical, and well-timed political parody, calling it relevant given the charged electoral climate in Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.
Also Read: TVK chief Vijay under lens again after conflicting poll affidavits
The teaser has also sparked a broader debate about whether such a politically provocative film can be released while the Model Code of Conduct is in force, ahead of the Tamil Nadu elections scheduled to be held on April 23. Critics and legal observers have raised questions about whether its release could influence voter sentiment or violate electoral guidelines.
Aadhav Arjuna lashes out
Meanwhile, reacting sharply to the teaser, TVK star candidate Aadhav Arjuna claimed that this is a collaborative ploy by the DMK and the BJP to undermine Vijay.
He said, "When Jana Nayagan can't release, how can a politically-charged film like this be released ahead of the election? Do you now understand this is an action by both DMK and BJP? People will not care about this film. They earlier released Parasakthi, which didn't run for a day. This will also face a similar fate."
Veteran cast adds more intrigue
Directed by Umapathy, son of veteran actor-filmmaker Thambi Ramaiah, the Tamil film marks his transition from acting to direction.
Interestingly, the film boasts a strong ensemble cast, which includes Kingsley, Thambi Ramaiah, MS Baskar, Ilavarasu, Shrrita Rao, Chandini Tamilarasan, Yashika Anand, Redin Kinsly, and Thalaivasal Vijay.