Nani praises Tamil Nadu CM Vijay, questions ‘pan-India’ tag for South films

Actor Nani’s Chennai visit for the promotions of 'The Paradise' went beyond discussions about his upcoming film as he spoke about Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and actor-turned-politician Vijay’s political journey. During the press meet, Nani also questioned the way successful South Indian films are labelled “Pan-India” films, arguing that the terminology is not applied in the same manner to Hindi cinema.

The Paradise, directed by Srikanth Odela, is scheduled to release in theatres on September 24.

Nani praises Vijay’s connection with the people of Tamil Nadu

Speaking about Vijay’s transition from cinema to politics, Nani said the actor’s connection with the people of Tamil Nadu goes beyond his film stardom and box-office success. He pointed to the familiarity and trust that Vijay has built with the public over the years.As reported by NDTV, Nani said, “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 also commented on Vijay’s presence in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, adding, “From whatever I’ve seen online, he’s rocking the show in the Assembly.”He further said, “I hope his next few years of rule are amazing and that the people of Tamil Nadu are proved right in their choice.”

Nani had earlier congratulated Vijay after the election

Nani had also publicly congratulated Vijay following the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election results. In a post on X, he described Vijay’s political success as an “underdog winning” moment and expressed hope that positive developments would follow for the people of Tamil Nadu.His latest comments came a few months after that message, during the Chennai promotions of The Paradise.

Nani questions the ‘Pan-India’ label for South films

Away from politics, Nani also spoke about the terminology used to describe films that find audiences beyond their original language markets.

The actor questioned why successful South Indian films are often labelled “Pan-India” films, while successful Hindi films are generally identified simply as Hindi films.Nani said, “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.”The comments reflect Nani’s stated preference for not using the “Pan-India” label for his films simply because they reach audiences across multiple regions.

Nani gears up for 'The Paradise'

Nani is currently promoting 'The Paradise', his upcoming collaboration with director Srikanth Odela following their previous film Dasara. The film features Nani alongside Mohan Babu, Kayadu Lohar, Sonali Kulkarni and Raghav Juyal. Anirudh Ravichander has composed the music, while Srikanth Odela has written and directed the film. The Paradise is scheduled to release in theatres on September 24, 2026.