Tamil star Vijay braces for challenges in bid for 2026 polls as his party gears up for maiden rally

The TVK has already begun its groundwork, appointing key district and town secretaries to set up its organisational structure. The party is in the process of converting the actor’s fan club Vijay Makkal Iyakkam (VMI) into a political party. The VMI has evolved over 15 years, driven by the community-oriented activities including charities, educational initiatives, food and wheelchair distributions, blood donation camps, and tuition classes for children.

Vijay’s transition from cinema to politics marks a significant shift in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, drawing inevitable comparisons to the legendary M G Ramachandran, known as MGR, the only other star whose move from the screen to the political stage led to the Chief Minister’s office. Unlike other actors, such as Vijayakanth and Kamal Haasan, who made similar political plunges, Vijay currently holds a top-tier position in Tamil cinema, a status perhaps comparable only to MGR and his successor Rajinikanth, who was also long speculated to enter politics but ultimately abandoned his ambitions in 2020.

Vijay’s foray into politics could be disruptive if he is to challenge the established dynamics of Tamil Nadu’s political scene, where the two Dravidian parties, the DMK and the AIADMK, have traditionally been the dominant players. With the AIADMK’s standing weakened, particularly in the post-Jayalalithaa era, and the DMK undergoing a transition with CM M K Stalin’s son Udhayanidhi, himself an actor-film producer-turned-politician, taking on a larger role in the party, Vijay’s timing seems tactical and calculated.

Vijay’s target is clear: the 20%-30% of the state’s electorate that is not firmly aligned with either of the Dravidian majors. This space, though not large, has seen several players vying for it over the past few decades. In 1996, G K Moopanar’s Tamil Maanila Congress briefly occupied it, followed by Captain Vijayakanth in 2005, who made a significant but short-lived impact with his Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam. Director Seeman’s Naam Tamilar Katchi, with its Tamil nationalist rhetoric, and Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam, and K Annamalai’s aggressive attempts through the BJP’s social engineering experiments, are other examples, though none could make a substantial dent in the Dravidian dominance in the state.

Yet, success in Tamil Nadu’s politics demands more than just celebrity status. History shows ideology plays a crucial role in a state where voters are sophisticated and discerning. MGR, the only other film star to successfully transition to political leadership, did so not just on the strength of his stardom but also because he was deeply rooted in Dravidian ideology.

Without a similar ideological base, other actors like Captain Vijayakanth and Kamal Haasan struggled to convert their cinematic fame into political power. Vijay’s ideology, as hinted in his party’s announcement, appears to draw from the universal humanism espoused in the Tirukkural – a revered text in Tamil culture. His focus on compassion, non-violence, and respect for life echoes values that could resonate with voters, but whether they translate into a coherent political narrative remains to be seen.

The key challenge for Vijay lies not only in converting his vast fan base into a political force but also in building a credible party structure. Sources close to Vijay admit he is in talks with potential allies, including some former DMK and AIADMK leaders who retired from active politics, as well as retired IAS and IPS officers. However, the absence of experienced political operators could be a significant handicap for his party. Unlike MGR, who had the backing of the Dravidian movement, or even Vijayakanth and Haasan, who had veterans to mentor and guide them through their party launches, Vijay’s team lacks known political faces now.

According to R Ramkumar, the TVK spokesperson, the VMI has 75,000 units and 18.75 lakh active members. “As we are converting it to TVK, the recent online membership drive brought in 75 lakh new members, with a target of 2 crore. The TVK’s structure spans all 234 Assembly constituencies, reaching from urban centres to remote villages,” he said.

Vijay’s star appeal cuts across traditional boundaries. His appeal, in both rural and urban areas, among the young and old, and across caste and religious lines, gives him a broad base to work from.

Sources close to Vijay cited many reasons for picking Tiruchirappalli as a possible venue for his party’s first conference. Centrally located in Tamil Nadu, the region also has a strong Christian legacy and population, and has diverse communities, including the Udayars and Pillai communities with whom Vijay has personal ties. An aide suggests it might even be a potential constituency for Vijay in future elections.

Vijay himself is a Christian, though, like many in the film industry, he is not averse to temple visits or attending Hindu rituals. While his minority Christian background may interest some observers, it is unlikely to define his political identity. His roots in the Udayar community, coupled with his marriage to a Tamil woman of Sri Lankan origin, would further deter any attempts to pigeonhole him.

However, Vijay is neither a Karunanidhi nor a Jayalalithaa in his public communication. He does not have the backing of a movement that MGR had. The only powerful weapon Vijay has is his unquestionable stardom and loyal young fans, which place him next to MGR and Rajinikanth. As he steps into the complex world of politics, Vijay faces the daunting task of proving that he can be more than just a superstar – that he can be the unifying, strong leader that Tamil Nadu has often sought.