Thalapathy Vijay, the beloved superstar with a global fanbase, is venturing into the intricate realm of Tamil Nadu politics. In a state that yearns for a charismatic and influential leader, Vijay possesses the qualities that could make him a success. With his youthfulness, philanthropic endeavors, and immense popularity, he has the potential to become a money-making powerhouse and a cult figure in the political landscape. This article explores why Thalapathy Vijay could be the blockbuster hit that Tamil Nadu needs in its current political vacuum.
It is important to acknowledge that being a superstar does not guarantee success in Tamil Nadu politics, as evidenced by Rajinikanth’s recent struggles. However, Thalapathy Vijay, at the age of 49, is much more than just a superstar. He has spent over a decade studying the political geography and history of Dravidian politics, learning from its triumphs and failures. Thalapathy Vijay is now ready to take the plunge into politics, and Tamil Nadu is ready to embrace him.
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Tamil Nadu has a long history of idolizing and following charismatic leaders, and Vijay is at the forefront of this phenomenon. From MG Ramachandran (MGR) to K Karunanidhi, J Jayalalithaa, Vijayakanth, Kamal Haasan, and Rajinikanth, Tamil politics has witnessed the rise of several stars from the Kollywood cineverse. However, cult-like stardom alone is not enough; ideology also plays a crucial role. Kamal Haasan’s centrist stance failed to make an impact, while Rajinikanth’s “spiritual politics” did not resonate with the people. The timing of entry into politics is also essential.
“Tamil Nadu was known for its demigod cult leaders, and there is now a sudden shortage of such leaders, resulting in a lack of organic crowd-pullers. The current leaders of the DMK and the AIADMK rely on financial resources to mobilize their cadres,” shares a member of Vijay’s political team, speaking on the condition of anonymity to IndiaToday.In.
Vijay has been meticulously preparing for his political journey for over a decade. His fan group, Vijay Makkal Iyekkam, was named with a purpose. “Makkal” means people, and the group functions as a people’s front rather than a mere fan club. It has established infrastructure resembling that of political parties, with booth committees in 156 out of Tamil Nadu’s 234 constituencies. Vijay’s aim is to convert his vast fan base into an electoral base.
In the past year, Vijay Makkal Iyekkam has implemented various welfare schemes named after prominent figures such as Periyar, K Kamaraj, and BR Ambedkar. The fan group has facilitated evening tuition classes, eye and blood donation initiatives, and free breakfast programs throughout Tamil Nadu.
Thalapathy Vijay’s foray into politics comes at a time when the state is yearning for a leader who can fill the void left by the absence of charismatic figures. With his star power, philanthropic efforts, and political groundwork, Vijay has the potential to become the blockbuster hit that Tamil Nadu desperately needs. Only time will tell if he can successfully transition from a beloved superstar to a revered political leader.
