The Tamil-language political satire film 'Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimaiyil,' starring Jiiva, was released in theatres on January 15, 2026, strategically coinciding with the Pongal festival. Directed by Nithish Sahadev, making his debut in Tamil cinema, the film also features Prathana Nathan, Thambi Ramaiah, and Ilavarasu in significant roles. The story centers on Jeevarathinam (Jiiva), a village panchayat member tasked with overseeing a wedding, who finds himself entangled in a long-standing family feud fueled by ego and power when a wedding and a funeral are scheduled for the same morning. The Times of India review, titled 'Familiar romp with enough comic spark,' rated the film 3 out of 5 stars, describing it as a 'good festival watch' despite some narrative stretches. Other credible sources largely corroborate this sentiment. Only Kollywood called it a 'madcap rural entertainer blending humor and message,' highlighting its thoughtful commentary on integrity and leadership. India Today noted it as a 'heartfelt satire' that is a 'realistic drama that's harmless and full of heart'. Critics generally appreciate Jiiva's performance, marking it as a strong comeback for him in a comedy-driven narrative. The film's compact runtime of under two hours and its ability to maintain engagement despite a single-location, 24-hour timeframe have also been noted positively. The movie's underlying messages about gossip, ego, and societal harmony, although sometimes subtly conveyed, leave an impact. Nithish Sahadev's direction, following his Malayalam success 'Falimy,' has been praised for its fresh approach to a concept-driven narrative, adapted for Tamil sensibilities. The movie is positioned as a light-hearted family entertainer for Pongal.