April 22, Kathmandu – In Tamil Nadu, where power often alternates between two major political parties, a new force has rapidly emerged in this election cycle. Led by actor C. Joseph Vijay, this party has signaled a strong challenge to the established political landscape, showing potential to take the reins of government. As results for assembly elections in five states are announced, Tamil Nadu has delivered a message of fresh leadership and alternative power in the country’s political scene. Current electoral trends strongly suggest that Vijay is poised to become the next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. This outcome marks a historic turning point in a state long dominated by two primary regional parties.
Interestingly, the actor Vijay, who was once denied the release of his film Jananayak, is now making strides toward becoming the Chief Minister. Although the film was never released, two lines from its trailer, titled First Roar, resonated deeply with the public. Vijay declared, “I am coming, and I have no intention of going back.” This steadfast determination seems to have propelled him closer to political success.
Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Veetri Kazhagam (TVK), filed for registration with the Election Commission on February 2, 2024, and officially gained recognition on September 8 of the same year. Within just two years of its establishment, the party is now in a strong position to govern the state. Forty-nine-year-old Vijay, a superstar in Tamil cinema for over three decades, left acting at the peak of his career to dedicate himself full-time to politics. In his rallies, he often emphasizes that he has sacrificed everything to serve the people.
Vijay’s election campaign gained considerable attention due to its innovative use of technology. He extensively incorporated hologram technology at campaign events, a tactic first introduced in 2024 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While Modi later reduced his use of holograms, Vijay utilized this technology to reach voters in remote villages across Tamil Nadu, creating a unique enthusiasm among the electorate. Where personal visits were impossible, holograms allowed him to engage directly with ordinary citizens, making a strong impression.
Along with technology, Vijay incorporated the film industry’s concept of the “body double” into his campaign strategy. Just as body doubles perform risky scenes in movies, similar-looking figures were deployed on the campaign trail so that voters felt the leader’s presence among them. He also used lifelike mannequins resembling himself to reinforce his image. Furthermore, the party effectively combined holograms and audio to popularize their election symbol—a whistle—granted by the Election Commission on January 22, 2026, successfully spreading it among the masses.
