{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2026}} {{Use Indian English|date=April 2026}} {{Infobox film | image = TN 2026 poster.jpg | caption = Theatrical release poster | director = Umapathy S. Ramaiah | screenplay = Umapathy S. Ramaiah | story = Thambi Ramaiah | producer = {{plainlist| *Kannan Ravi *Deepak Ravi }} | starring = {{plainlist| * Natty Subramaniam * Thambi Ramaiah * M. S. Bhaskar * Ilavarasu }} | cinematography = P. G. Muthiah | editing = Arul R. Thangam | music = Darbuka Siva | studio = Kannan Ravi Group | released = {{Film date|2026|4|10|df=y}} | runtime = 126 minutes<ref>{{Cite web |title=TN – 2026 |url=https://cbfcindia.gov.in/cbfcAdmin/search-result.php?recid=MDMwMzMxMDMyMDI2MDAwMTE= |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260413022238/https://cbfcindia.gov.in/cbfcAdmin/search-result.php?recid=MDMwMzMxMDMyMDI2MDAwMTE= |archive-date=13 April 2026 |access-date=13 April 2026 |website=Central Board of Film Certification |language=en}}</ref> | country = India | language = Tamil }} '''''TN 2026''''' (an initialism for '''''Thanga Natchathiram'''''; {{Translation|Golden Star}}) is a 2026 Indian Tamil-language political satire film directed by Umapathy S. Ramaiah who wrote the screenplay from a story by his father Thambi Ramaiah. The film stars Natty Subramaniam, Thambi Ramaiah, M. S. Bhaskar and Ilavarasu. It follows the rise of Kulkanth Kumar from a struggling beeda salesman to a movie star, and eventually a politician. Shot between October 2025 and early 2026, the film was released theatrically on 10 April 2026.
== Plot == {{more plot|date=May 2026}} Kulkanth Kumar, a North Indian, arrives in Chennai, Tamil Nadu to earn his livelihood. He unexpectedly makes his debut as a lead actor in a film. His flawed Tamil pronunciation garners an overwhelming reception from the audience.
A wealthy zamindar named Sivalinga Mandradiyar is stunned by Kulkanth's resemblance to his idol M. G. Ramachandran. He invites Kulkanth to his place, where the latter recounts his early life: he was born to a Tamil man from Thanjavur, who migrated to Madhya Pradesh to set up a ''gulkand'' shop, which is how he got his distinctive name; struggling to earn a living, Kulkanth moved to Chennai and started selling beeda near Anna Nagar Tower Park; it was there that he was spotted and cast by the to-be director of his debut film.
Hearing Kulkanth's story, Sivalinga sells off his groves to help Kulkanth become a successful movie star. Subsequently, Sivalinga makes strategic moves to propel Kulkanth into politics, hoping to make him the next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The story unfolds around the decision Kulkanth ultimately makes.
== Cast == {{Cast listing| * Natty Subramaniam as Kulkanth Kumar * Thambi Ramaiah as Sivalinga Mandradiyar * M. S. Bhaskar as the general secretary * Ilavarasu as the treasurer<!-- does this relate to Ministry of Finance (India)? --> * Shrrita Rao as Madhavi Devanand * Yashika Aannand as Kulkanth Kumar's girlfriend * Chandini Tamilarasan as Thailashree * Viji Chandrasekhar as Madhavi's mother * Sreeja Ravi as Sivalinga's mother * Indraja Shankar as Rukmini * Devi Mahesh as Sivalinga's wife * Redin Kingsley as Kangeyan Singaraj * Lollu Sabha Maaran as Gandharvan * Java Sundaresan as a film director * Andrews as a driver * Muthu Kumaran as a press reporter * Chitra Lakshmanan as a film producer * Thalaivasal Vijay * Vaiyapuri as an alcoholic * Adthiya Kathir as a press reporter * C. Ranganathan as a film director * Deepa Shankar as Andalamma * Karate Karthi as A. Muthuraman * Ajit Koshy as a North Indian political advisor * Sandy as Chinna Mandradiyar (special appearance) }}
== Production == The story of ''TN 2026'' was written by Thambi Ramaiah a year prior to the film's release based on his knowledge of politics.<ref name="break">{{Cite news |date=4 April 2026 |title=Thambi Ramaiah breaks the silence on 'TN 2026' teaser debate, says film does not target Vijay |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/thambi-ramaiah-breaks-the-silence-on-tn-2026-teaser-debate-says-film-does-not-target-vijay/articleshow/130012833.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260408221652/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/thambi-ramaiah-breaks-the-silence-on-tn-2026-teaser-debate-says-film-does-not-target-vijay/articleshow/130012833.cms |archive-date=8 April 2026 |access-date=10 April 2026 |work=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> His son Umapathy S. Ramaiah wrote the screenplay and directed the film,<ref name="captured">{{Cite news |last=Chandar |first=Bhuvanesh |date=8 April 2026 |title=Meet the cast of 'TN 2026', the Tamil film that has captured all attention this election season |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/meet-the-cast-of-tn-2026-the-tamil-film-that-has-captured-all-attention-this-election-season/article70835888.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260513011141/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/meet-the-cast-of-tn-2026-the-tamil-film-that-has-captured-all-attention-this-election-season/article70835888.ece |archive-date=13 May 2026 |access-date=10 April 2026 |work=The Hindu |language=en}}</ref> which is his sophomore after ''Rajakili'' (2024).<ref name="floors">{{Cite web |date=3 October 2025 |title=Umapathy Ramaiah's next directorial starring Natty in the lead goes on floors |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2025/Oct/03/umapathy-ramaiahs-next-directorial-starring-natty-in-the-lead-goes-on-floors |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251007215109/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2025/Oct/03/umapathy-ramaiahs-next-directorial-starring-natty-in-the-lead-goes-on-floors |archive-date=7 October 2025 |access-date=11 April 2026 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}}</ref> The pair struggled to find a producer willing to finance the film; it was Kannan Ravi of the Kannan Ravi Group who finally did so.<ref name="captured" /> The technical crew includes cinematographer P. G. Muthiah, editor Arul R. Thangam, art director N. K. Rahul, stunt choreographer Mahesh Mathew and dance choreographers Praveen and Sandy; the latter makes a cameo appearance.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 April 2026 |title=Natty-starrer TN 2026's teaser released |url=https://ianslive.in/natty-starrer-tn-2026s-teaser-released--20260402195141 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260402150750/https://ianslive.in/natty-starrer-tn-2026s-teaser-released--20260402195141 |archive-date=2 April 2026 |access-date=11 April 2026 |website=IANSLive |language=en}}</ref>
Principal photography began in October 2025,<ref name="floors" /> and ended in early 2026.<ref name="break" /> It was shot in locations including Chennai, Coimbatore and Tiruppur.<ref>{{Cite news |last=பாரதிராஜா |first=மை. |date=4 April 2026 |title=''TN 2026'': "அரசியல் அறம் என்பது தியாகிகளால் உருவாக்கப்பட்டதுனு அவர் சொன்னார்" - நட்டி நடராஜ் பேட்டி |trans-title="He said that political morality is made by martyrs" – Natty Nataraj interview |url=https://cinema.vikatan.com/kollywood/actor-natty-natraj-shares-his-role-in-his-film-tn2026-thanga-natchathiram |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260411033232/https://cinema.vikatan.com/kollywood/actor-natty-natraj-shares-his-role-in-his-film-tn2026-thanga-natchathiram |archive-date=11 April 2026 |access-date=11 April 2026 |work=Cinema Vikatan |language=ta}}</ref> Initially announced under the tentative title ''Production No 6'', the film's official title was announced in late March 2026; it is an initialism for ''Thanga Natchathiram''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 March 2026 |title=Natty-Umapathy Ramaiah's film titled ''TN 2026'', April release confirmed |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2026/Mar/29/natty-umapathy-ramaiahs-film-titled-tn-2026-april-release-confirmed |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/M5OZG |archive-date=11 April 2026 |access-date=11 April 2026 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}}</ref>
== Soundtrack == The music was composed by Darbuka Siva.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JypIeImNaoI |title=TN 2026 – Audio Jukebox {{!}} Natty Nataraj {{!}} Umapathy Ramaiah {{!}} Darbuka Siva |date=10 April 2026 |last=Saregama Tamil |author-link=Saregama |language=en |access-date=10 April 2026 |via=YouTube}} [https://preservetube.com/watch?v=JypIeImNaoI Alt URL]{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=9 April 2026 |title=TN 2026 Thanga Natchathiram (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |url=https://music.apple.com/in/album/tn-2026-thanga-natchathiram-original-motion-picture/1891711975 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20260414090436/https://music.apple.com/in/album/tn-2026-thanga-natchathiram-original-motion-picture/1891711975 |archive-date=14 April 2026 |access-date=14 April 2026 |website=Apple Music |language=en}}</ref> A single, "Kulkanth Kumar" was released on 8 April 2026, two days before the film's release.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 April 2026 |title=Natty channels retro energy in 'Kulkanth Kumar' song from ''TN 2026'' |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2026/Apr/08/natty-channels-retro-energy-in-kulkanth-kumar-song-from-tn-2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260411050508/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2026/Apr/08/natty-channels-retro-energy-in-kulkanth-kumar-song-from-tn-2026 |archive-date=11 April 2026 |access-date=11 April 2026 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}}</ref>
{{Track listing | headline = Track listing | extra_column = Singer(s) | title1 = Kulkanth Kumar | length1 = 3:32 | lyrics1 = Mohan Rajan | extra1 = Premgi Amaren | title2 = Hey Alangaari | length2 = 3:47 | lyrics2 = Karthik Netha | extra2 = Yuvan Shankar Raja, Priyanka NK | title3 = Get High | length3 = 4:19 | lyrics3 = Vignesh Ramakrishna | extra3 = Sanjana Kalmanje | title4 = Vaadaa Thondaa | length4 = 4:21 | lyrics4 = Mohan Rajan | extra4 = Thambi Ramaiah, M. S. Bhaskar, Mathichiyam Bala | total_length = 15:59<!-- Automatically generated with User:JPxG/TrackSum.js --> }}
== Release == Following the release of the teaser on 2 April 2026, M. L. Ravi of the Desiya Makkal Sakthi Katchi (DMSK) filed a public interest litigation petition in the Madras High Court to stall the film's release, stating the film's depiction of current politics could influence voting.<ref>{{Cite news |last=S |first=Mohamed Imranullah |date=6 April 2026 |title=Stall release of Tamil film 'TN 2026', urges a plea before Madras High Court |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/stall-release-of-tamil-film-tn-2026-plea-before-madras-high-court/article70830164.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260513011226/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/stall-release-of-tamil-film-tn-2026-plea-before-madras-high-court/article70830164.ece |archive-date=13 May 2026 |access-date=10 April 2026 |work=The Hindu |language=en}}</ref> Fans of actor-turned politician Vijay and the general audience believed the film might be a parody of Vijay's journey into politics, noting similarities between the film and Vijay's career.<ref name="Samayam">{{Cite web |last=பர்வீன் |first=ஷமீனா |date=9 April 2026 |title=திட்டமிட்டபடி நாளை ரிலீஸாகும் ''TN 2026'': விஜய் தான் நட்டியானு பார்க்கத் துடிக்கும் ரசிகர்கள் |trans-title=''TN 2026'' to release tomorrow as planned: Fans are eager to see if Natty is indeed Vijay |url=https://tamil.samayam.com/tamil-cinema/movie-news/natty-nataraj-starrer-tn-2026-movie-is-set-to-release-tomorrow/articleshow/130136352.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260528011441/http://web.archive.org/screenshot/https://tamil.samayam.com/tamil-cinema/movie-news/natty-nataraj-starrer-tn-2026-movie-is-set-to-release-tomorrow/articleshow/130136352.cms |archive-date=28 May 2026 |access-date=10 April 2026 |website=Samayam |language=ta}}</ref> They also noted that the portrayal of the release issue around the protagonist Kulkanth Kumar's film was very similar to Vijay's film ''Jana Nayagan''{{'s}} release issues,<ref>{{Cite news |date=29 March 2026 |title=TN 2026 FL, a subtle dig at Vijay's Jana Nayagan release issues |url=https://www.dtnext.in/entertainment/cinema/tn-2026-fl-a-subtle-dig-at-vijays-jana-nayagan-release-issues |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260411011926/https://www.dtnext.in/entertainment/cinema/tn-2026-fl-a-subtle-dig-at-vijays-jana-nayagan-release-issues |archive-date=11 April 2026 |access-date=10 April 2026 |work=DT Next |language=en}}</ref> and many such real-life incidents were portrayed in the film.<ref name="Samayam" /> Aadhav Arjuna of Vijay's political party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) accused the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of releasing the film just before the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election to influence voters and impact TVK's chances.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Srinivasan |first=Latha |date=3 April 2026 |title=TN 2026 Teaser Spoofs TVK Vijay, Aadhav Arjuna Claims BJP-DMK Conspiracy |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/tn-2026-teaser-spoofs-tvk-vijay-aadhav-arjuna-claims-bjp-dmk-conspiracy-11307568 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260411012420/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/tn-2026-teaser-spoofs-tvk-vijay-aadhav-arjuna-claims-bjp-dmk-conspiracy-11307568 |archive-date=11 April 2026 |access-date=10 April 2026 |work=NDTV |language=en}}</ref> Umapathy, however, denied the allegations,<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 April 2026 |title='TN 2026' director Umapathy Ramaiah responds to trolls from Thalapathy Vijay fans; Asks 'Can anyone insult a lion' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/tn-2026-director-umapathy-ramaiah-responds-to-trolls-from-thalapathy-vijay-fans-asks-can-anyone-insult-a-lion/articleshow/130012564.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/UFG9W |archive-date=10 April 2026 |access-date=10 April 2026 |work=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> and Ramaiah stated that he had no intention to hurt or insult anyone, alleging the protagonist's similarities to Vijay were coincidental.<ref name="captured" /> ''TN 2026'' was eventually released theatrically on 10 April 2026,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cyril |first=Grace |date=30 March 2026 |title=TN 2026 Release Date Out, Natty's Political Comedy Set To Hit Screens On April 10 |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/regional-cinema/tn-2026-release-date-out-nattys-political-comedy-set-to-hit-screens-on-april-10-ws-l-10004913.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260331055709/https://www.news18.com/movies/regional-cinema/tn-2026-release-date-out-nattys-political-comedy-set-to-hit-screens-on-april-10-ws-l-10004913.html |archive-date=31 March 2026 |access-date=10 April 2026 |work=News18 |language=en |agency=IANS}}</ref> and a week later, Ravi's petition was withdrawn after he felt it had become "infructuous".<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 April 2026 |title=Plea against release of TN 2026 film withdrawn |url=https://www.dtnext.in/entertainment/cinema/plea-against-release-of-tn-2026-film-withdrawn |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260419120236/https://www.dtnext.in/entertainment/cinema/plea-against-release-of-tn-2026-film-withdrawn |archive-date=19 April 2026 |access-date=19 April 2026 |website=DT Next |language=en}}</ref> The film began streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Aha Tamil from 30 April.<ref>{{Cite news |last=B |first=Jayabhuvaneshwari |date=30 April 2026 |title=South Cinema's top OTT releases this week: TN 2026, Aadu 3 and more |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2026/Apr/30/south-cinemas-top-ott-releases-this-week-tn-2026-aadu-3-and-more |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260502042248/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2026/Apr/30/south-cinemas-top-ott-releases-this-week-tn-2026-aadu-3-and-more |archive-date=2 May 2026 |access-date=2 May 2026 |work=Cinema Express |language=en}}</ref>
==Reception== ''Cineulagam'' applauded Natty's performance, the writing and Siva's background score, but felt the cinematography was "OK" and the latter half of the film could have been better.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 April 2026 |title=''TN 2026 தங்க நட்சத்திரம்'' திரை விமர்சனம் |trans-title=''TN 2026 Golden Star'' Movie Review |url=https://cineulagam.com/article/tn-2026-movie-review-1775808607 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260411032400/https://cineulagam.com/article/tn-2026-movie-review-1775808607 |archive-date=11 April 2026 |access-date=11 April 2026 |website=Cineulagam |language=ta}}</ref> Abhinav Subramanian of ''The Times of India'' gave the film 3/5 and wrote, "''TN 2026'' entertains without quite cutting deep enough to sting. The moments work; the movie around them could have been sharper".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Subramanian |first=Abhinav |date=11 April 2026 |title=''TN 2026'' Movie Review: Natty lights up a sprawling political satire |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/tn-2026/movie-review/130187278.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260411120122/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/tn-2026/movie-review/130187278.cms |archive-date=11 April 2026 |access-date=11 April 2026 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> Johnson of ''Puthiya Thalaimurai'' gave the film 1.5/5, appreciating the background score and cinematography but criticising the songs, and pacing of the film's latter half.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |date=11 April 2026 |title=''TN 2026'' Review{{!}} விஜயை கேலி செய்திருக்கிறார்களா? படமாக எப்படி இருக்கிறது TN 2026! |trans-title=Did they mock Vijay? How is ''TN 2026'' as a film?! |url=https://www.puthiyathalaimurai.com/cinema/movie-review/tn-2026-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260411120307/https://www.puthiyathalaimurai.com/story/cinema/movie-review/tn-2026-review |archive-date=11 April 2026 |access-date=11 April 2026 |website=Puthiya Thalaimurai |language=ta}}</ref> Raghav Kumar of ''Kalki Online'' rated the film 3.5/5, noting that despite some logical violations and flaws, they could easily be forgotten due to the film's pacing and humour.<ref>{{Cite web |last=ராகவ்குமார் |date=11 April 2026 |title=விமர்சனம்: ''TN 2026'' - யாரை சொல்றாங்க? |trans-title=Review: ''TN 2026'' – Who are they talking about? |url=https://kalkionline.com/entertainment/cinema/tn-2026-movie-review-in-tamil |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/QogQ2 |archive-date=11 April 2026 |access-date=11 April 2026 |website=Kalki Online |language=ta}}</ref>
Avinash Ramachandran of ''Cinema Express'' rated the film 1.5/5 and wrote, "The dishonesty in the making and writing of the film is its biggest bane. This also means that none of the technical departments, barring composer Darbuka Siva, really stand out".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramachandran |first=Avinash |date=12 April 2026 |title=''TN 2026'' Movie Review: A shallow satire that conflates trends with truth |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/review/2026/Apr/12/tn-2026-movie-review-a-shallow-satire-that-conflates-trends-with-truth |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260412131557/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/review/2026/Apr/12/tn-2026-movie-review-a-shallow-satire-that-conflates-trends-with-truth |archive-date=12 April 2026 |access-date=12 April 2026 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}}</ref> ''Dinakaran'' praised the music and cinematography but felt the editor could have trimmed out content in the latter half, and compared the film favourably to the political satires directed by Manivannan and R. K. Selvamani.<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 April 2026 |title=''TN 2026'' - திரை விமர்சனம் |trans-title=''TN 2026'' – Movie Review |url=https://cinema.dinakaran.com/cinema/tn2026-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260413021907/https://cinema.dinakaran.com/cinema/tn2026-review/ |archive-date=13 April 2026 |access-date=13 April 2026 |work=Dinakaran |language=ta}}</ref> ''Dinamalar'' wrote that the film would have been better had the humour, acting and political satire of the film's first half been there in the second half too.<ref>{{Cite web |title=''டிஎன் 2026'' - விமர்சனம் |trans-title=''TN 2026'' – Review |url=https://cinema.dinamalar.com/movie-review/3760/TN-2026/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260413021516/https://cinema.dinamalar.com/movie-review/3760/TN-2026/ |archive-date=13 April 2026 |access-date=13 April 2026 |website=Dinamalar |language=ta}}</ref>
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == * {{IMDb title}} * {{Rotten Tomatoes}}
Category:2020s political comedy films Category:2020s political satire films Category:2026 controversies Category:2026 films Category:2026 Indian films Category:2026 Tamil-language films Category:Films about actors <!-- Category:Films about elections --> Category:Films about landlords Category:Films directed by Umapathy Ramaiah Category:Films scored by Darbuka Siva Category:Films shot in Chennai Category:Films shot in Coimbatore Category:Indian political comedy films Category:Indian political satire films Category:Political controversies in film Category:Political controversies in India Category:Tamil-language Indian films Category:Tamil-language political comedy films Category:Tamil-language political satire films