Actor Vijay, one of Tamil Nadu’s biggest cinema stars, has become an unprecedented politician reshaping the state’s political geography. From his carefully balanced film image to the vast, previously cinema only fan base that worships him, Vijay’s leap into electoral politics is bringing new opportunity and old controversy to a state long dominated by cinema oriented leaders.
As president of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), a parliamentary party established in February 2024, Vijay is hoping to convert cultural influence into votes in the run up to the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections while simultaneously breaking the monopoly of traditional Dravidian parties like the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
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From Cinema to Politics The Making of Thalapathy
As a politician, Vijay did not emerge from nowhere. It took many years.
Within Vijay’s thirty year career in Tamil cinema, “Thalapathy” (which means commander in Tamil) blossomed into an endearing nickname his fans had bestowed on him. Today it is his political trademark. On screen his roles often celebrated leadership, the protection of women and children, or fighting against social injustice. There was therefore no clear cut division between his cinematic image and his political ambitions.
Early public gestures such as his 2021 ride to the polling booth in Chennai at the head of a procession of fans were manifestations of the evolving mix between film fandom and political symbol.
On the 2nd of February, 2024 Vijay made an official announcement to introduce TVK. He described it as an alternative to thirty years of two party dictatorship.
But for Vijay, the only question is how much longer he will remain on the sidelines.
As of the end of the Chokkalingam era, the story seems to have come to a close.
M. G. Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa are good examples of this.
Not long ago, the latest star is Vijay.
With all its social and political activity, the various branches of Vijay’s fan clubs, collectively known as Vijay Makkal Iyakkam, are widely spoken about in the south.
They won local body elections in 2021 and provide a grassroots network for TVK.
Some supporters cite Vijay as a person who understands their struggles and aspirations, but critics question whether fan organization can be translated into sustainable political organization.
Some Recent Political Developments and Controversies
Crowd Tragedies and Safety Concerns
Thousands of people have attended Vijay’s political rallies, and in some cases with tragic results.
A massive crowd surge at the 2025 rally in Karur resulted in a deadly stampede that killed at least 39 and wounded countless more thereby drawing national attention to the issue of management at these events and oversight by party.
In a recent demonstration in Salem Province, another campaigner was killed a 37 year old man died; his death added fresh concerns to political meeting safety and readiness by party leaders.
Some think it strange that these examples of bad management should occur twice so closely within the political life of Tamil Nadu.
TVK Programme and Legislative Position
Vijay repeated in a speech that TVK will go it alone in the 2026 Legislative Assembly elections, without any allies, an expression of his confidence in the independent appeal of the party.
However, in his speeches he has taken aim at rival political leaders and policies, one notable point being the suggestion that what the DMK calls welfare schemes are in reality electoral incentives.
Critics from both parties have taken exception to personal attacks and rhetoric employed during campaign events, giving rise to a controversy on public discourse and campaign style across the board.
Public Impressions and Questions of Politics
Vijay’s political debut has raised several fundamental questions:
- Can a single star’s name still win an election?
- In Tamil Nadu politics, traditional party structures and grassroots organization remain dominant even as the star appeal of celebrity attracts attention.
- Dogfood Brand Fandom: A Political Force? TVK’s ability to turn fan enthusiasm into votes and policies is as yet untested against more established parties.
- Will personal magnetism guarantee government? Critics argue that authentic political leadership demands strategy as well as name recognition it also requires policy depth, sustained engagement and a way of thinking.
Some observers have suggested that an actor slash politician may draw mainly on what he knows best emotional appeal rather than providing any concrete public help for his constituents. This is a topic that recurs in another guise every time.
India News and Hotlix!!! News Network carried reports on it; New Asia Newspaper and other social media have been buzzing about the article with some republishing segments of it too.
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Final Word A Turning Point for Tamil Nadu Politics
Vijay’s entry into politics is a bold move in the continuing drama of cinema and politics in Tamil Nadu. With his ability to marshal large numbers of people and capture the attention of both mainstream media and social networks, he has already altered that most staid old state’s political game.
The critical issue is still whether Vijay’s popularity will be converted into effective political power and victory at the polls in 2026. This question along with its answers will affect the future of Tamil Nadu as elections approach.
