Vijay’s first day first show in politics: Before he takes the stage, thousands flood rally grounds in Tamil Nadu

However, Vijay’s entry stands out, not only because of the extent of his stardom, but also due to his timing. At 49, Vijay is seen as having hit the sweet spot — young enough to appeal to first-time voters and the next generation, yet seasoned enough to be taken seriously by the state’s more traditional electorate.

On Sunday, unlike crowds at regular political rallies, 70-80 per cent of the attendees were in their 20s. This is reminiscent of the rally that Telugu superstar-turned-politician Chiranjeevi held for the launch of his party, Praja Rajya. Then, as now, millions watched an actor with an enormous fan base announce a new chapter in his career, attempting to transition their cinematic appeal into political capital.

People at the rally ground in Vikravandi.

Chiranjeevi’s Praja Rajyam Party in Andhra Pradesh, despite its early promise, eventually fizzled and merged with the Congress. With about one-and-a-half years left for the next Assembly polls in Tamil Nadu, keeping up the momentum for his party will be Vijay’s major challenge.

Vijay’s fans are already setting up comparisons to MGR, Tamil Nadu’s original megastar-turned-chief minister, who successfully leveraged his film stardom to rise to power in the late 1970s.

For Vijay, age is on his side. Though not an acting veteran like Kamal Haasan or Rajinikanth, nor possessing a clear political ideology or backing of established politicians, Vijay is old enough to command respect and young enough to connect with the disillusioned youth. And with Tamil Nadu’s Opposition AIADMK still reeling from Jayalalithaa’s death and the ruling DMK in the throes of its own generational transition, Vijay is strategically poised to potentially fill a vacuum.

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The venue of the rally, Vikravandi, is a logistical spectacle in its own right. Organisers have made meticulous preparations, setting up over 60,000 chairs, arranging caravans for key TVK leaders, and allocating an estimated Rs 50 crore for the event alone. In a nod to Vijay’s core fan base, the arrangements are grand, yet familiar, borrowing a page from his past film release celebrations. Towering cut-outs of Dravidian icons like Periyar, as well as B R Ambedkar line the streets leading to the rally, alongside posters of Vijay’s younger, defiant face. The more than 100-km-long road from Chennai to Vikravandi has been decked up with banners and flex boards of Vijay.

Vijay’s political messaging has a clear focus on inclusivity and Tamil pride. TVK’s launch anthem, “Tamizhan Kodi Parakuthu… Thalaivan Yugam Porakuthu (The Tamil flag flies high… A leader’s era has begun),” is a deliberate attempt to echo the state’s cinematic-political nostalgia, harking back to the iconic songs of MGR during his meteoric rise to power. Yet, the lyrics signal a new political awakening, positioning Vijay as a bridge between Tamil Nadu’s traditional Dravidian values and emerging contemporary challenges, such as education and environmental issues.

A top view of supporters arriving ahead of actor and Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam chief Vijay’s public meeting in Chennai on Sunday. (Photo: PTI)

Despite the extensive preparations and high stakes, party insiders say that most of the attendees funded their own travel from suburban and rural regions out of personal loyalty to Vijay. For many, it’s an opportunity to see their hero in person.

His transition has been years in the making, meticulously orchestrated through the evolution of his fan club, Vijay Makkal Iyakkam (VMI), which has engaged in consistent community activities, like blood donation camps, educational drives, and other charity efforts. By converting VMI into the TVK, Vijay has drawn from a vast reservoir of social goodwill and brand recognition.

Vijay is clear about his party’s target – the 20-30 per cent of voters in Tamil Nadu who remain unaligned to the two dominant Dravidian parties, including a large section of youth.

He, however, faces a daunting path ahead. Several film stars have stumbled in their attempts to make a mark politically. Vijayakanth, who once made waves with his Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam, ultimately saw his influence wane. Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam failed to create a significant impact, and Rajinikanth’s long-anticipated political entry never materialised.

For now, TVK lacks the seasoned political operatives that once backed MGR and Jayalalithaa, or even those who lent strategic heft to Vijayakanth. The absence of experienced political players could hinder Vijay’s efforts to build a credible party structure.