From Vadapalani to Vikravandi: Vijay’s transformation from celluloid hero to party chief

Vijay's political journey, from film star to party leader, sparks speculation and comparisons to Tamil Nadu political history.

Ever since actor Vijay announced the formation of his political party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on February 2, 2024, the guessing game began on the party’s ideology, stance and possible tie-up for the 2026 Assembly elections. The TVK stayed away from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and did not extend support to any political party.

With the launch of the party’s flag and flag anthem titled Thamizhan Kodi Parakuthu at the party headquarters at Panaiyur in Chennai on Thursday (August 22, 2024), exactly a month before the party’s maiden conference, curiosity has increased further.

From taking baby steps in Kollywood with his director-father S.A. Chandrasekhar directing him in a series of movies since his debut as a lead star in Naalaya Theerpu in 1992, to his collaboration with notable directors such as Vikraman (Poove Unakkaga), Fazil (Kaadhalukku Mariyadhai), Vasanth (Naerukku Naer), Ezhil (Thulladha Manamum Thullum) and S.J. Surya (Kushi) between 1996 and 2000, Vijay, with sheer hard work transformed into a bankable star and a force to reckon with in Tamil cinema with his films giving MG (a minimum guarantee of profit in Tamil cinema parlance) to producers.

Then with Thirumalai, Ghilli and Pokkiri, he got elevated to the level of a mass hero, the status he enjoys till his last outing Leo. In recent years, his box office collections surpassed even superstar Rajinikanth’s. His latest film with director Venkat Prabhu The Greatest Of All Time (GOAT)  will be released on September 5, 2024, on the occasion of Vinayaka Chaturthi. Vijay has committed a film with director H. Vinoth, probably his last one tentatively called Thalapathy 69.

Many see this trait of Vijay, to enter politics at the peak of his career — he could have easily earned at least ₹100 crore per movie — with age still at his advantage shows his real intention is to do “something good” for Tamil Nadu.

Whatever be his future considerations, one should be reminded that Vijay had a blow hot blow cold relationship with almost all the major parties.

A quick look at the events listed below will come into play over his future decisions.