Nani made the remarks during a promotional press meet for his upcoming film The Paradise in Chennai.

Speaking about Vijay's transition from cinema to politics, Nani said the support he has received cannot be attributed only to his popularity as a film star or his box-office record. According to Nani, Vijay has developed a personal connection with people in Tamil Nadu over the years.

Nani praises Vijay's connection with people

Nani said Vijay's relationship with the people of Tamil Nadu extends beyond his career in films.

"It's not just about his stardom or box-office success. The people of Tamil Nadu have built trust with Vijay sir over the years. They feel like they know him and feel like he is part of their family. That clearly shows the trust they have in him," Nani said.

Vijay entered electoral politics through the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which contested the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election. The party won 108 of the 234 Assembly seats, while its alliance crossed the majority mark, according to the party's published election results.

Nani also commented on Vijay's performance in the Assembly, saying, "From whatever I've seen online, he's rocking the show in the Assembly."

He added that he hoped Vijay's coming years in government would be successful and that the people who voted for him would see their expectations fulfilled.

Nani had congratulated Vijay after election victor

Nani had also publicly congratulated Vijay following the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election results.

In a post on X, Nani described Vijay's electoral success as an "underdog winning" moment and extended his wishes for the political journey ahead. He also expressed hope that the outcome would bring positive results for the people of Tamil Nadu.

Nani's earlier message came as Vijay's TVK emerged as a major political force in the state in its first Assembly election.

His latest comments indicate that he continues to follow Vijay's political career, although his remarks at the press meet were framed as personal observations about the actor's public connection and his performance in the Assembly.

Nani questions the 'Pan India' label

During the same interaction, Nani also discussed how films from different Indian industries are described after achieving success outside their home markets.

He pointed out that a successful Hindi-language film is generally identified as a Hindi film, whereas successful films from South Indian industries are often described as "Pan India" films.

"When a Hindi film works well, we call it a Hindi Film… But when a South Indian film works, we call it a Pan-India film. So, I don't want to call my films… Pan Indian Films," Nani said.

The actor's comments reflect his preference for viewing his films within the broader Indian film industry rather than attaching a separate label to them based on their geographical reach.

Nani gears up for The Paradise

Nani is currently promoting The Paradise, his upcoming film directed by Srikanth Odela. The project marks their second collaboration after Dasara.

The film has generated attention for Nani's intense new appearance and its setting around a marginalised community. At a recent media interaction, the director described the story as involving a mother and son as well as a community fighting for its place in society.

Nani plays Jadal in the film, while Raghav Juyal plays Vikram Maalik. The makers have kept several aspects of the story under wraps as part of the film's promotional strategy.

The Paradise release date confirmed

The Paradise is scheduled to release in cinemas on September 24, 2026. The makers have recently reiterated the release date following speculation about a possible postponement.

The film has also taken an unusual promotional route, with Nani confirming that the makers do not plan to release a conventional trailer before the theatrical release. The actor said the team wants audiences to experience the film without revealing too much beforehand.

With the release approaching, Nani has been discussing both the film and his views on the wider Indian film industry during promotional interactions. His comments on Vijay have now added a political dimension to the actor's Chennai press meet, while his remarks on the "Pan India" label have again highlighted the way regional cinema is positioned in the national market.