Following the release of Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimaiyil, actor Jiiva took to social media to share a heartfelt note thanking audiences for their “wonderful responses” to the film. Calling it a special way to begin the New Year, Jiiva said the project held a personal significance for him and expressed happiness at seeing viewers embrace it in theatres.
A grateful note to audiences
In his message, the actor also made a warm mention of the film’s director Nithish Sahadev, describing him as “a talented filmmaker who hails from your own hometown.” While Nithish was born in Thiruvananthapuram and spent his formative years there, he later moved to Chennai, where he trained at the Chennai Film Industrial School before stepping into direction. Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimaiyil marks his first release after the 2023 Malayalam hit Falimy, which starred Basil Joseph, Jagadish, Sandeep Pradeep and Manju Pillai, and won praise for its rooted humour and warmth.
“I sincerely invite everyone to watch the film in theatres and share your valuable feedback with us. As always, I remain deeply grateful for your continued love and support,” Jiiva wrote, signing off his note on a gracious, fan-first note that has long been his trademark.
Dear All Cinephile friends
I’m truly delighted to begin the New Year by presenting a film that is very close to my heart.
My latest release, #ThalaivarThambiThalaimaiyil in which I play the lead role, hit theatres yesterday and has already been receiving wonderful responses from…
— Jiiva (@JiivaOfficial) January 16, 2026
A Pongal release finding its feet
Directed by Nithish Sahadev, Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimaiyil sees Jiiva step into the role of a Panchayat President, leaning into a space that blends social observation with accessible humour. The film also features Ilavarasu, Thambi Ramaiah, Prathana Nathan and Jenson Dhivakar in key roles, forming an ensemble that supports the film’s small-town political setting.
On the commercial front, early signs have been encouraging. According to Sacnilk, the film earned a net collection of Rs 1.3 crore from theatres across India on its opening day, Thursday. On its second day, the film added another Rs 0.42 crore to its domestic tally. While worldwide figures are yet to be officially announced, the steady numbers suggest healthy footfalls for a content-driven Pongal release.
Beyond the numbers, audience sentiment has largely tilted positively. Social media reactions and early reviews point to an appreciation for the film’s light-hearted tone, relatable characters, and Jiiva’s understated performance. Some viewers have even gone so far as to label it a “Pongal winner,” a tag that carries weight during Tamil cinema’s most competitive release window.
The film arrived in theatres as part of a crowded festive lineup in Tamil Nadu. This Pongal season also saw the release of Parasakthi, directed by Sudha Kongara and starring Sivakarthikeyan, as well as Vaa Vaathiyaar, helmed by Nalan Kumarasamy with Karthi in the lead. Amid this stiff competition, Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimaiyil has managed to carve out its own space by appealing to family audiences looking for a breezy, grounded entertainer.
As word of mouth continues to build over the festive weekend, the coming days will be crucial in determining how far the film can go at the box office. For now, Jiiva’s gratitude-filled note and the audience’s early response suggest that Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimaiyil has struck the right chord at the right time.
Also Read: Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimaiyil First Look Reveals Jiiva in a Festive Family Drama