By Ayesha Khan 
Kuala Lumpur, December 29: By around 5 pm on December 27, it was already obvious that Bukit Jalil National Stadium was not going to handle the crowd easily. People were still arriving, even as security tried to speed things up. Some families sat down on the pavement outside, eating packed food. Others stood near the barricades, refusing to move in case they lost their place. Most of them had come for one reason. To see Vijay. Even if it was from far away.
Officially, this was the audio launch of Jana Nayagan. On the ground, it felt like something else. A mix of festival, reunion, and emotion that is hard to put neatly into words.
Now, the entire event is set to be shown on television. The programme will be telecast on Zee Tamil and streamed on ZEE5 Tamil on January 4, 2026, from 4.30 pm to 10.30 pm. According to the channel, the event will be aired in full, without cutting it down.
The Crowd Kept Coming
By the time the programme properly began, the stadium was already close to full. According to reports carried by The Times of India, the turnout was close to one lakh people.
What stood out was not just the number, but where people had come from. There were Malaysians of Tamil origin, of course. But some groups had flown in from Tamil Nadu, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and parts of the Gulf.
Some wore Vijay fan club shirts. Some carried flags. Many had nothing except their phones and a lot of patience. Later, organisers confirmed that the gathering had entered the Malaysia Book of Records as the largest audience for a film audio launch in the country. But most people there were not thinking about records. They were just happy to be inside.
Why The Telecast Matters
With Jana Nayagan scheduled to release on January 9, just before Pongal, the timing of the telecast is no accident.
According to India TV News, the decision to show the entire event came after strong demand from fans. Short videos from the launch were already spreading everywhere within hours.
For many Vijay fans, especially families, this is not something they plan to watch casually. It is something they sit down for.
Music That Took Over Everything
When Anirudh Ravichander came on stage, the noise level changed instantly.
With a full orchestra behind him, he performed songs from Jana Nayagan and several older Vijay numbers. At times, the crowd sang louder than the speakers. Anirudh paused more than once, smiling, letting the voices carry the song.
Playback singers Vijay Yesudas, Anuradha Sriram, Haricharan, Krish, Tippu, and Saindhavi joined him at different points. Each appearance was met with loud cheers.
Many fans later said this part alone made the long wait worth it.
A Moment Nobody Planned
The mood shifted suddenly when Vijay’s mother, Shobha Chandrasekar, walked on stage.
She sang “Kodambakkam Area.”
As reported by Hindustan Times, Vijay did not seem prepared for it. He stood to the side, clapping quietly, smiling, clearly moved. The stadium went unusually silent. Then came applause that felt less like noise and more like respect. It was not dramatic. That is why people remember it.
Familiar Faces, No Big Drama
Directors Atlee and Nelson Dilipkumar, along with actor Pooja Hegde, were also present. They did not speak much. They did not need to.
Their presence was enough for the fans.
Vijay’s Speech And The Silence After
When Vijay finally spoke, people listened closely. He thanked his fans. He spoke about responsibility. He spoke about staying grounded. There were no announcements. According to Cinema Express, when political slogans rose from parts of the crowd, Vijay responded calmly and asked people to remain composed.
That small moment has been replayed many times since. Some see it as a sign. Some say it means nothing. Vijay himself has not clarified.
Practical Issues Before Release
Away from the celebration, there have been some updates on the release front. On December 28 and 29, distributors in Kerala announced that first-day-first-show timings will be delayed.
According to Cinema Express, the delay is due to logistical reasons. Details for Tamil Nadu are still awaited. Trade circles, however, believe the opening will be strong. The buzz from Malaysia has already done its work.
A Night That Meant Different Things
Some people went for the music.
Some went to see Vijay once in their life.
Some just wanted to say they were there.
For those who missed it, January 4 is the closest they will get to that night.
It may have been an audio launch on paper.
On the ground, it felt like something else.
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- Ayesha Khanhttps://hindustanherald.in/authors/ayesha/
- Ayesha Khanhttps://hindustanherald.in/authors/ayesha/
- Ayesha Khanhttps://hindustanherald.in/authors/ayesha/
- Ayesha Khanhttps://hindustanherald.in/authors/ayesha/
