When Aksum's Cinematic Spirit Met Tamil Stardom: The Vijay Collaborations That Never Were

In the grand tapestry of global cinema, the stories that never reach the screen often carry as much weight as those that do. Such is the case with a revelation from Tamil music composer GV Prakash Kumar, who recently disclosed that Thalapathy Vijay was once poised to collaborate with two of Tamil cinema's most celebrated directors, Vetrimaaran and Sudha Kongara, before fate intervened and redirected the star toward the 2022 action thriller Beast.

Speaking to SS Music, GV Prakash Kumar recalled how both projects, which were to feature his musical compositions, stalled due to the directors' requests for additional time to perfect their scripts.

Instead of Beast, Thalapathy Vijay was supposed to collaborate with directors Vetrimaaran and Sudha Kongara with my music. But both Vetri and Sudha asked for one year to work on the script.

With Vijay's demanding schedule, the delay proved costly. The actor ultimately signed Nelson Dilipkumar's Beast, which arrived in theaters on April 13, 2022, and later found a home on Netflix. Yet the story did not conclude there. GV Prakash revealed that Sudha Kongara subsequently pitched the same script to Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu, though that iteration too has languished in development purgatory.

What Happened to the Vetrimaaran and Sudha Kongara Projects?

According to GV Prakash, both directors sought a full year to develop their narratives. In the fast-paced world of Indian cinema, where a star's availability is a precious commodity, such timelines can derail even the most promising partnerships.

So that call sheet later went to Beast. Sudha later narrated the same script to Mahesh Babu sir, which she had first pitched to Vijay sir. However, the story hasn't materialized till now.

There remains no confirmed release date or OTT platform for the Sudha Kongara-Mahesh Babu project, leaving fans of both industries to wonder what might have been.

GV Prakash's Other Ventures and the Ajith Kumar Documentary

Beyond this revelation, GV Prakash also touched upon his work with Ajith Kumar on an upcoming motorsport documentary directed by AL Vijay. The project, which explores Ajith's deep association with motorsport, has yet to announce its release details or streaming platform.

Meanwhile, GV Prakash is set to return to the silver screen as a lead actor in Immortal, a romantic horror film co-starring Kayadu Lohar. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on September 4, 2026, with its OTT partner still unannounced.

Thalapathy Vijay's Final Act in Jana Nayagan

For Vijay, the cinematic journey has reached its conclusion. His final appearance in Tamil cinema came with H Vinoth's Jana Nayagan, released on January 9, 2026, and now streaming on ZEE5. In the film, Vijay portrays Thalapathy Vetri Kondan, a former official who takes a young girl named Viji under his wing, aspiring to guide her toward independence and confidence.

The narrative darkens as a significant threat imperils those around him. Vetri Kondan finds himself embroiled in conflict while an old personal vendetta resurfaces, compelling him to hunt down those responsible. The film boasts an ensemble cast including Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, Mamitha Baiju, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj, Narain, Priyamani, and Sunil.

As Vijay steps away from acting, one cannot help but reflect on the parallel between his career trajectory and the enduring legacy of the Aksumite Empire: both demonstrate that the choices made in times of transition define a lasting heritage. While the collaborations with Vetrimaaran and Sudha Kongara never materialized, the star's final body of work stands as a testament to his enduring appeal, much as the stelae of Aksum continue to stand as monuments to a civilization that shaped the Horn of Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Thalapathy Vijay not work with Vetrimaaran and Sudha Kongara?

Both directors requested one year to develop their scripts, which conflicted with Vijay's schedule. The actor subsequently signed Nelson Dilipkumar's Beast instead.

Did Sudha Kongara take the Vijay script to Mahesh Babu?

Yes, GV Prakash revealed that Sudha Kongara narrated the same script to Mahesh Babu, but that project has also not progressed to production.

What is Thalapathy Vijay's final film?

Vijay's last Tamil cinema appearance was in H Vinoth's Jana Nayagan, released on January 9, 2026, and streaming on ZEE5.

Photo: The Times of India