Our Political Desk
Actor Vijay’s recent move into politics with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has stirred debates over the likelihood of success for his party in a landscape dominated by established Dravidian parties and an increasingly influential BJP.
Vijay’s entrance recalls previous attempts by popular actors, including Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth, to break into the political sphere—attempts that failed to gain significant traction. Hence, its worth examining the current dynamics and the implications of Vijay’s foray into politics.
Southern Indian politics, particularly in Tamil Nadu, is deeply rooted in the ideologies of the Dravidian movement, which emerged in opposition to the cultural and linguistic policies of northern India. Dominated for decades by the DMK and AIADMK, the landscape leaves little space for new political players, even if they have massive fan bases, as seen with Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM). Despite his fame, Haasan failed to secure a single seat, exposing the challenges celebrity-driven movements face in competing against entrenched political power structures.
Several film stars from southern India have attempted the transition from cinema to politics, inspired by the iconic success of M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) in Tamil Nadu and N.T. Rama Rao (NTR) in Andhra Pradesh. However, recent history has shown that such endeavours are rarely successful.
Kamal Haasan’s party, for example, garnered some attention but failed to translate that into significant political influence. Even in Andhra Pradesh, Chiranjeevi, a superstar with a massive fan following, couldn’t sustain his political momentum and eventually merged his Praja Rajyam Party with the Congress after disappointing election results.
Actors often struggle with the transition due to the fundamental differences between the structured demands of public governance and the more individualistic, performative world of cinema. Amitabh Bachchan’s brief political tenure in the 1980s serves as a case study; despite his immense popularity, Bachchan quickly exited politics, acknowledging the incompatibility of his public image with political realities.
Vijay’s platform, focused on Dravidian values like equality, social justice, and secularism, echoes familiar themes in Tamil Nadu politics. However, his ideological alignment has led to speculation that his entry into politics may serve to counterbalance the rising popularity of the BJP, particularly under the leadership of the charismatic K. Annamalai.
Annamalai’s BJP has gained a significant following in Tamil Nadu, potentially threatening the dominance of the DMK and AIADMK. Some analysts suggest that Vijay’s party might serve to fragment votes, especially among younger and more secular-minded demographics, to weaken the BJP’s gains and reinforce DMK’s stronghold.
Vijay’s emphasis on Dravidian ideology is evident in his admiration for Periyar, the social reformer who championed rationalism and opposed caste discrimination. At TVK’s maiden rally in Villupuram, Vijay reiterated these ideals, which remain popular among certain sections of Tamil Nadu’s electorate. Nevertheless, many political analysts are cautious, citing his limited political experience and lack of organizational infrastructure as potential impediments to establishing TVK as a credible political force.
Vijay faces numerous challenges in making TVK a viable political entity. First, sustaining public interest beyond initial rallies and translating fan enthusiasm into voter loyalty will be difficult, particularly as celebrity-driven campaigns often lose steam without a robust grassroots network. Additionally, Vijay must contend with the formidable financial demands of Tamil Nadu politics, where campaign expenses run high and sustained funding is essential.
Moreover, Vijay’s criticisms of DMK—accusing it of “one family looting the state”—signal a risky but potentially strategic positioning as an anti-establishment voice. Yet, targeting the DMK might alienate segments of his base who are sympathetic to Dravidian values. Unlike his predecessors in cinema-politics, Vijay lacks an alliance with any established political entity, which may hinder his reach and resources in the upcoming 2026 assembly elections.
Pawan Kalyan, another southern actor who ventured into politics, serves as a unique case study in this context. Kalyan’s success was achieved only after forming alliances with established parties like the TDP and BJP, which provided him the support base and resources necessary for political survival. In contrast, Vijay’s ambitions to position TVK as an independent Dravidian voice could limit his flexibility in forming strategic alliances. Without such support, Vijay’s political aspirations may struggle to compete with Tamil Nadu’s established party structures.
In a political landscape dominated by established ideologies and parties, Vijay’s TVK faces an uphill battle to make a meaningful impact. While Vijay’s fame could draw large crowds and initial enthusiasm, the challenges of sustaining momentum and establishing political credibility are considerable. The political arena in Tamil Nadu has a history of humbling even the most celebrated stars, and without a robust grassroots base or strategic alliances, Vijay’s chances may appear slim.
For Vijay, the journey from silver screen to political stage will require more than star power; it will demand a sustained, nuanced approach to issues facing Tamil Nadu.
