How Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Admiration for Vijay Led to ‘Kuruvi’ With Trisha Krishnan
DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin recently made headlines following his arrest and station bail over alleged misogynistic remarks during a political rally in Thanjavur. This has turned attention back to his early days in cinema, when his deep admiration for Vijay led him to launch Red Giant Movies and wait for the actor's dates to produce 'Kuruvi' alongside Trisha Krishnan.
DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin recently made headlines following his temporary detention and release on station bail over alleged offensive remarks. The political development has brought renewed attention to his past career in the Tamil film industry, particularly his long-standing professional and personal relationship with actor-turned-politician Vijay. Udhayanidhi Stalin Released Hours After Arrest in Trisha Remark Case, Madras High Court Intervenes.
Long before their current political dynamics emerged, Udhayanidhi launched his production house, Red Giant Movies, driven by a strong desire to collaborate with Vijay for his maiden venture, Kuruvi, co-starring Trisha Krishnan.
Udhayanidhi Stalin on Vijay
Before transitioning into full-time politics, Udhayanidhi Stalin established Red Giant Movies as a premier production banner in Tamil cinema. When planning his foray into film production, Udhayanidhi insisted that his debut project must star Vijay.
Speaking about his admiration for the actor in an interview with the IndiaGlitz YouTube channel, Udhayanidhi recalled their long association and his insistence on securing Vijay for his debut project:
"I have known Vijay sir since my days in college, he is a friend, more than a friend I a huge fan of his films. When I wanted to start my production venture, I was adamant about having him on board, and I told him I was ready to wait for him till he allocates the dates for it."
This persistence resulted in the 2008 action-drama Kuruvi, directed by Dharani, which reunited the successful team behind Ghilli, including actress Trisha Krishnan and composer Vidyasagar. The film emerged as one of the major commercial releases of that year, celebrating a 150-day theatrical event attended by veteran filmmaker K Balachander, Vijay, his wife Sangeetha, and Trisha.
Udhayanidhi later noted that Vijay remained consistently supportive when he subsequently decided to step in front of the camera as a lead actor.
Why Was Udhayanidhi Stalin Detained?
The recent focus on Udhayanidhi follows high-voltage political drama in Tamil Nadu after he was arrested in Chennai and transported by road to Thanjavur.
The police action stemmed from a complaint alleging that Udhayanidhi made sexually colored and misogynistic remarks directed at a female actor during a DMK-led demonstration regarding the Cauvery water issue in Thanjavur. Vijay’s Son Jason Sanjay Finally Breaks Silence on ‘Jana Nayagan’ Actor’s Tamil Nadu Election Win, Calls It ‘Historic Revolution’ (Watch Video).
Following his arrest, Udhayanidhi was taken to the Sengipatti Police Station for questioning. After completing legal formalities and interrogation, he was released on station bail late Tuesday night. The controversy continues to fuel sharp reactions across the state's political landscape.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 05, 2026 12:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
