Tamil Actor Vijay Enters Politics:Will His Popularity Translate to Votes?

Binish Thomas (Sub-Editor)

After years of speculation,Tamil actor Vijay has officially entered politics by forming his own political party. Starting from the grassroots,he has begun organizing a booth-level structure to build support across the state.

Recently,Vijay held a massive public meeting,drawing a much larger crowd than anticipated,sparking curiosity about his political prospects.

Will this support from his fans convert into actual votes? Vijay’s ultimate goal is to form a government in the upcoming assembly elections,but the path is not easy.

In Tamil Nadu,the journey from cinema to politics is well-trodden but challenging.While film stars like M.G. Ramachandran (MGR),Jayalalithaa,and Karunanidhi transitioned successfully to politics,others like Vijayakanth initially made a mark but struggled to sustain momentum.

Times have changed since MGR’s era when fans had limited access to their favorite stars, making their public appearances electrifying events.

With today’s digital media,fans can regularly see their idols on screens,making the transition from stardom to political influence more complex.

Moreover,Tamil Nadu politics has a unique character shaped by Dravidian ideology,which even national parties like the BJP have struggled to penetrate.

Vijay will need to navigate this complex political landscape, facing a strong competitor in the well-established DMK,led by figures like Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.

DMK has deep regional roots and influential leaders, and Vijay may find it difficult to match their reach and local influence.

A significant challenge Vijay faces is building a strong party base.Tamil Nadu’s major parties have spent years developing regional leaders and establishing local credibility.

Vijay is currently the sole face of his party, with much of the support driven by his film career. Without a network of experienced political leaders, he will face hurdles in connecting with voters on the ground and establishing a sustained presence in regional constituencies.

Rajinikanth,another Tamil film icon,chose not to launch his own political party despite high expectations from fans.His decision disappointed many, especially after he voiced support for police actions during the Vedanta Sterlite protests in Thoothukudi, which led to public backlash.

Rajinikanth’s experience highlighted the challenges celebrities face when translating fan adoration into political influence. Kamal Haasan, too, attempted to enter politics but struggled to establish a foothold and ultimately aligned with Congress and DMK, signaling his party’s limitations.

One notable Tamil film dialogue states that a politician’s office has only one good chair—the leader’s chair, often empty if he’s genuinely engaged with the people.

Vijay will need to embrace this sentiment, transitioning from the comforts of stardom to a hands-on approach in politics.

To resonate with the public, he will have to break the barriers of his privileged life, travel across the state, and interact closely with voters.

A personal connection with the electorate, especially through a grassroots approach, could be critical for building a sustainable political movement.

In the coming years, Vijay’s ability to bridge his fan base with genuine political support will be closely watched. His challenge is not just popularity but demonstrating that he has the resilience, strategies, and commitment to succeed in the dynamic landscape of Tamil Nadu politics.