Editorial: Cometh the Commander

Vijay is one of the biggest stars of Kollywood but can he emerge as an alternative in TN politics?

In a State where tinsel glamour and politics are inexorably linked, Vijay is the new star on Tamil Nadu’s political horizon. Months after announcing his political party Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), the 50-year-old superstar — popularly called “Thalapathy” (Commander) by his countless fans — has just unveiled his political vision at a massive public meeting at Vikravandi town. A blend of Dravidian ideology, Tamil nationalism, secularism and social justice forms the core of his brand of politics. In his maiden political speech, Vijay sought to position his party as an alternative to the DMK while also opposing the ‘divisive’ politics of the BJP. Though Vijay is one of the biggest stars of Kollywood and commands a huge following, especially among the youth, the key question is whether he will be successful in emerging as an alternative to the bipolar politics represented by the DMK and the AIADMK, a task that remained elusive for many others who preceded him. Actors Vijayakanth and Kamal Haasan — both popular figures in their unique ways — failed to make a mark in politics while the demi-god of South Indian cinema Rajinikanth dropped his plans for political Arangetram at the last minute, citing health reasons. Vijayakanth’s DMDK (Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam) started on a promising note, winning an 8% vote share in its debut elections in 2006, but suffered a steady decline over the years while Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Mayyam (MNM) had a disastrous tryst with electoral politics.

The death of two Dravidian stalwarts Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa, who dominated Tamil Nadu politics for decades, has created a vacuum in the State. Vijay’s TVK, set to enter the fray in the 2026 Assembly polls, must be eager to fill this vacuum and offer itself as an alternative political force. The actor’s political foray comes at a time when the BJP is trying hard to make inroads into the Dravidian territory. Contesting on its own, it bagged an 11.3% vote share in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. This is significant in a State considered as a Dravidian fortress. Apart from loyalty to Dravidian ideology, a strong sense of Tamil pride, anti-Hindi sentiments, welfarism, social justice and secularism have traditionally guided the State’s political narrative. While checking all these boxes, Vijay has clearly identified the DMK as his main political opponent and attacked the party for falsely parading its social justice credentials to perpetuate its dominance and loot the State. Firmly establishing his party in the Dravidian mould — with reverential references to Dr BR Ambedkar and Periyar EV Ramaswami, the founder of Dravidar Kazhagam, and late Congress stalwart K Kamaraj — Vijay, however, did not offer any fresh agenda or appear to tread a new trail-blazing path. The immediate challenge before him is to convert his vast network of fan clubs into a structured political organisation to become battle-ready before the Assembly elections.

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