# Atlee credits CM Vijay, Sethupathi praises Rajinikanth at audio launch

2026-09-19T07:21:49+00:00 | Entertainment | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 3 independent outlets

At the Baththa audio launch on September 19, filmmaker Atlee credited Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay for supporting his career, recalling how Vijay encouraged him to take up Jawan with Shah Rukh Khan. Atlee also urged caution against reading too much into indirect social media references, amid online speculation about comments made by Vijay Sethupathi on Bigg Boss Tamil that some interpreted as political. Vijay Sethupathi, speaking at the same event, recalled working with Rajinikanth in Jailer 2, describing the Superstar's dedication as inspiring. He also called Vijay a 'cute fellow' but did not address the controversy over his Bigg Boss remarks directly. Vijay Sethupathi's film Baththa, directed by Balaji Tharaneetharan and presented by Atlee, releases on October 1. Jailer 2, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar and starring Rajinikanth, Mohanlal and Vidya Balan, is scheduled for an October 15 release.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

Cinemaexpress.com's report focuses on Vijay Sethupathi's admiration for Rajinikanth's craft, avoiding the political controversy entirely. Telugu360.com leads with Sethupathi's praise for Vijay amid the Bigg Boss row, framing it as a deliberate move to sidestep debate. News.abplive.com centres on Atlee's speech crediting CM Vijay and warning against social media speculation, giving the government-friendly view prominence. The coverage thus splits: two sources foreground the political dimension, one avoids it. A balanced reader notes Sethupathi did not address the controversy directly at the event, while Atlee explicitly urged restraint in interpretation. The Baththa release on October 1 and the continuing social media discussion around Sethupathi's Bigg Boss remarks are the immediate developments to track.

## Coverage

- cinemaexpress.com (neutral report) <https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2026/Sep/19/vijay-sethupathi-on-working-with-rajinikanth-in-jailer-2-until-the-day-i-die>
  Leads with Sethupathi's Rajinikanth anecdote, omits political angle
- telugu360.com (sensationalist) <https://www.telugu360.com/amid-controversy-vijay-sethupathi-heaps-praise-on-vijay/>
  Leads with controversy framing despite actor not addressing it
- news.abplive.com (pro government) <https://news.abplive.com/entertainment/celebrities/atlee-cm-vijay-thalapathy-tamil-nadu-cm-baththa-audio-launch-vijay-sethupathi-row-1867389>
  Centres Atlee's praise for CM Vijay and cautions against speculation

Tags: Baththa, Bigg Boss Tamil, Jailer 2, Rajinikanth, Vijay, Vijay Sethupathi
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