Image Source, AFP via Getty Images
Film actor turned politician C Joseph Vijay has emerged at the forefront of forming a new government in Tamil Nadu, a southern Indian state.
His party, Tamilga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), defied critics’ expectations by securing an almost solo victory in the state assembly elections held Monday. Vijay’s success signals significant change to the established political order.
Vijay’s political rise has been compared to that of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran, who was also a renowned actor.
Ramachandran founded his own party in 1977 after leaving the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and went on to become Chief Minister.
While Vijay’s victory has thrilled his supporters and fans, he still faces challenges before he can become Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
The Tamil Nadu legislative assembly has 234 members, and 118 seats are required to form a government. Currently, Vijay’s party has won 108 seats, ten short of a majority.
This means Vijay must now build alliances with smaller parties and independent legislators to emerge as the leading contender to head the state government.
Victory of Personality Over Politics?
Image Source, TVK
For a long time, Tamil Nadu politics was dominated by two major regional parties — the DMK and its rival, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). The success of TVK marks a major shift that could exert significant influence amid the neighboring political pressures. Many observers link this victory more to Vijay’s personal popularity than to politics as usual.
Sociologist Shiv Vishwanathan observes, “Vijay possesses an unusual energy and enthusiasm.”
“His charm, confidence, and personal competence are apparent, giving him a distinct strength.”
Following the elections, Vijay has methodically crafted a public image. Starting from the film industry, he now makes religious visits to temples and churches while addressing the public.
Images of these visits frequently appear on television and mobile screens. In a state where political movements often embody ideology and self-respect, these public religious engagements are strategically significant.
Challenges Await
Image Source, AFP via Getty Images
Tamil Nadu has historically been known for dramatic political events, where cinema and politics often intertwine. From Ramachandran to his successor Jayaram Jayalalitha, film actors have transitioned into political leadership in the state.
Vijay follows that path, but his political campaign looks distinct. Experts point out that the political space he has entered remains largely influenced by the DMK and AIADMK.
It remains to be seen how Vijay and others like him can translate their hero-like public image into sustainable political capital.
The road ahead will not be easy for Vijay after his political triumph.
Last year, Vijay suffered a major setback when dozens of people died due to crowd management failures during a party rally. Despite the criticisms then, voters appear to have forgiven him.
Although he declared his full-time political entry, his final film, “Jananayagan,” was scheduled for release in January but has been halted indefinitely by the Indian Censor Board.
Long Preparation
Image Source, AFP via Getty Images
Although TVK was officially established only in 2024, Vijay’s political journey began long before that.
Since 2009, he has been restructuring his fan clubs to create welfare networks focused on relief, education, and social services at the grassroots level.
In 2011, he tested his popularity by supporting then AIADMK coalition in elections.
Later, he integrated political themes into film events, engaging young audiences on issues like unemployment, exam stress, and corruption. He also criticized the controversial citizenship amendment law of 2019.
After acting in around 70 films, he quit acting to fully commit to politics, clearly converting his hero image into political capital.
The voters of Tamil Nadu understand a persuasive language well, and Vijay’s distinct political style has become his foundation.
Strong Support Among Youth and Women
Image Source, AFP via Getty Images
Political analyst Pradeep Gupta notes that Vijay enjoys overwhelming popularity especially among young voters and women.
The 18 to 39 age group, which represents about 42% of Tamil Nadu’s total voters and includes many first-time voters, largely supports Vijay.
Women have also been drawn to his party. Among his supporters are also socially marginalized groups.
Political strategist Prashant Kishore says, “Vijay is the new hope of Tamil Nadu.”
Currently, the appeal around Vijay is built more on his promises of change and commitment rather than on detailed policy plans.
Indian singer, writer, and social activist T.M. Krishna remarks, “Elections are a process that shakes imagination, and Vijay has introduced new imaginations.”
Restless and Unstable Voters
Politics in Tamil Nadu, grounded in social justice and welfare, has supported economic growth. For fiscal year 2024/25, the state achieved an 11.2% growth rate.
Yet, such achievements have not diminished the demand for change. Especially among younger voters, there is increasing restlessness and attraction toward new ideas over traditional narratives.
Compared to Rajinikanth, who abandoned politics after failing to make an impact, and Kamal Haasan, who formed his own party, Vijay shows a notably different trajectory.
Tamil Nadu’s film heroes are not only admired but also invested in and seen as symbols of justice.
Tamil Nadu remains one of India’s most stable and rapidly developing states, yet its young electorate is growing increasingly restless.
His supporters claim that the public is tired of the two major parties and desires change. “People saw TVK as the embodiment of that change,” the party spokesperson said.
