Tamil superstar Vijay leaps from cinema to politics ahead of crucial election

From blockbuster hero to political disruptor: Vijay’s high-energy campaign is rewriting Tamil Nadu’s election playbook. Will his star power outshine the old guard?

, and Administrator

2026 January 14 . 4:03 AM

1 min read

The image shows a man standing with his arms crossed in front of a white background, wearing a... — The image shows a man standing with his arms crossed in front of a white background, wearing a black and ash colored dress and a watch. He appears to be deep in thought, perhaps pondering the question of whether or not he is the best Indian actor.

Tamil superstar Vijay leaps from cinema to politics ahead of crucial election

Tamil film star Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, widely known as 'Thalapathy', is entering politics with a new party ahead of the April and May election. Positioning himself as a challenger to the state’s long-standing political forces, he aims to attract younger voters frustrated with the election results. His campaign has already drawn massive crowds, blending the energy of his film stardom with political ambition. Vijay’s acting career stretches over 30 years, with roles ranging from romantic leads to action heroes and defenders of the marginalised. His latest film, Jana Nayaga (The People’s Hero), releases this month—its title doubling as a slogan for his political push. On the campaign trail, his events resemble high-energy concerts rather than traditional rallies. Supporters, particularly from Generation Z, have turned out in large numbers, making up nearly a fifth of Tamil Nadu’s electorate. Vijay presents himself as a disruptor, promising to sweep aside the old guard. Yet critics point to gaps in his approach. His party lacks a detailed policy platform and a strong second tier of experienced leaders. No senior figures have been named to support his bid, leaving questions about governance if elected. The upcoming election will test whether his star power translates into political success. His focus on young voters and anti-establishment rhetoric has energised supporters, but the absence of a clear policy framework and leadership team remains a hurdle. The election results will reveal if his political debut can match his cinematic success.