Actor Vijay surprised the Master audio launch crowd last evening when he unexpectedly referred to his long-time on-screen rival and colleague Ajith as 'Nanbar Ajith' (Friend Ajith). To the unknown the Thala-Thalapathy (Ajith-Vijay) rivalry is legendary in Tamil cinema and over the years, the Kollywood audience has witnessed the good, bad and ugly between these two camps from time to time. 

Once in a while the stars have also come out and tried putting an end to the brewing tension, but it wouldn't be an understatement to say the two star-actors have not exactly been 'friends'. Vijay's unexpected reference is believed to have come at a time when Ajith fans had taken offense to one of the song titles (Tharudhala Kadharuna was later changed to Pona Pogattum) from Master and the Thalapathy actor's gesture does seem to have calmed down things a bit.

Morning was unhappy with that lyrics title and evening when vijay sir called Thala as his friend it’s feel so warm and happy being a Thala fan and from him the word coming is goosebumps. I dunno if this will reduce fan fight but atleast for one day it ll be positive #NanbarAjith pic.twitter.com/WBMY1hDSW4

— Thiaga (@thiaga87) March 15, 2020

#NanbarAjith @actorvijay
Today speech the real charector#thalapathy pic.twitter.com/J2H58A99KO

— mani Mk (@MANI_hms) March 15, 2020

✨Moment Of the Day ∆
Every #Thala Fan would go😍Crazy for this epic statement,
when #Thalapathy called #Thala as his friend it’s feel so warm &
✌😍happy.
Being a #Thala fan & from him d word coming is goosebumps.
Hope this will reduce fan fight one day it ll B+ve #NanbarAjith pic.twitter.com/hrem9Lc98o

— மஹா ◎fficial 🌺 (@its_mahaoffc) March 16, 2020

#NanbarAjith
Quote of the day📢
Kill them with your success..
Bury them with your smile 😄#Valimai #Master pic.twitter.com/OGoYJeAi5p

— Micky Moushik (@moushikmech) March 16, 2020

En friend polla yaru Macha #NanbarAjith

That was a touching Moment.. Even Ajith Fans realized our #Thalapathy now I hope #MasterAudioLaunch #Valimai 💥 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/n23btrHU8z

— ♥Ƭнαℓα_Ƙαιℓαƨн2.0♥ (@THALA6072531122) March 16, 2020

2007 !!!!..... pic.twitter.com/C5THPdHboC

— Sana Vimal (@SanaVimal2) March 16, 2020

As Thala fan who ever speak or refer Thala name I will be happy and when vijay sir himself referred his name on stage its very delightful.

This made my day and am happy for referring Thala name😍🙌🏻🙌🏻. #Valimai #Master #Annathae #NanbarAjith pic.twitter.com/jsoRqKf0rM

— Thiaga (@thiaga87) March 16, 2020

Pillars of kollywood #thala #thalapathy#Valimai #Master#NanbarAjith pic.twitter.com/ZikDjhy4yQ

— Thala Thalapathy Fc (@TTFansClub) March 16, 2020

The official video of Vijay's full speech from Master audio launch can be viewed here: