Not often do punch dialogs translate into the actual world drama of politics — besides, it’s in Tamil Nadu.
Maybe, the connection between cinema and Tamil Nadu politics goes a good distance with the display usually serving as a launchpad. Some actors succeed, some don’t. Few like MGR, Jayalalithaa have made it massive, whereas few like Rajini and Kamal have pale like passing clouds. Now, with Vijay taking the plunge to politics on the peak of his performing profession as the very best paid actor within the nation, all eyes are on the megastar to see if he can carry the stardom via into the world of politics.
Vijay’s ultimate leap with a fiery, but fastidiously choreographed 50 minute speech at his maiden political occasion appears to have thrust him straight to limelight. The speech full of dramatic punch dialogs not solely captured the eye of lakhs of devoted younger followers throughout the state, but additionally potential allies and adversaries alike.
Vijay’s political ambitions have been an open secret for little over a decade now, however little did anybody anticipate it to take form at a time when the state is craving for an alternate entrance. With the AIADMK not at its superb greatest after Jayalalithaa’s demise and ruling DMK creeping extra in the direction of a typical family-centered regional celebration after Karunanidhi, there’s a important chunk of the voters that’s jaded by the Dravidian duopoly. The BJP tried to fill that void with Prime Minister Modi and Annamalai’s recognition however miserably did not make inroads, other than an insignificant enhance in vote share.
Whereas the DMK and AIADMK are effectively established cadre primarily based events, Vijay’s fan base with a large youth following within the city areas can grow to be a decisive power. The truth that members of his fan membership managed to win 115 of the 169 contested within the ‘21 rural native physique elections speaks to the arrogance of Vijay claiming TVK would sweep the bulk alone within the upcoming meeting polls.
In actual fact, the field workplace star’s calculated strategy to embrace “social reformer” Periyar and distance “anti-god” Periyar raises basic political and ideological inquiries to the DMK.
And to separate Periyar into two within the Dravidian ‘homeland’ is one thing few have pulled off within the current previous. “There may be no politics that denies god,” Vijay mentioned, whereas additionally steering clear that he was no fan of BJP’s “divisive politics” both, below the garb of faith and area. “They lament about ‘fascism, fascism, fascism’ and what are they? Payasam?” Vijay requested in dramatic style.
Nonetheless, what’s preserving everybody in political circles abuzz is the actor’s conspicuous silence on the AIADMK. Both the actor believes the celebration as soon as dominated by the likes of MGR, Jayalalithaa is now decrepit and supplies his fledgling celebration with a possibility to eat into its votes. Or, it’s an intentional transfer to go away a door open for an alliance that might solidify his celebration.
For now there’s a calm after the storm. Most had a tackle Vijay’s political arrival and AIADMK did too, however quickly is predicted to cozy up. If something, there are particular directions from the very best management to keep away from criticising Vijay since he didn’t converse unwell of the AIADMK. As Vijay additionally declared his openness to alliances, and related views towards sectarian politics, household rule, and corruption, significantly the precept of C N Annadurai’s ‘Ondre Kulam, Oruvane Thevan,’ there are feelers for the AIADMK.
What additionally comes as a shock is the ruling DMK-Congress alliance which by no means thought of BJP’s push as a critical menace to reckon with, thinks in any other case of the actor. All of the sudden, the identical leaders who downplayed the recognition of somebody like Annamalai coming into fray usually are not able to field the actor on the identical traces. Positively there’s a latent power and there’s an attraction amongst sure sections of the society. How far it could possibly translate into votes, solely time will inform, Congress chief and MP Karti Chidambaram said in an interview.
Vijay’s large youth attraction reducing throughout social strata is nudging the ruling DMK’s considering as effectively. That’s precisely why Udhayanidhi Stalin’s speedy rise and CM Stalin’s public assist are steps in the direction of making the 2026 elections a generational contest— one that might see the DMK return to energy for the primary time.
Nonetheless, the actor enjoying by the DMK method on many coverage fronts and providing nothing new to the voters dangers the sweetness of a debut shortly turning bitter. Field workplace hits could not essentially imply victory on the poll field. It’s one factor to be a mass hero however to transform that attraction to votes and grow to be a mass chief is one other. “Fame, cash isn’t sufficient to win in politics, it’s one thing else”, Rajnikanth as soon as said after realizing politics was not his cup of tea.
Celebrated as a “famous person” within the state, Rajnikanth tried after which stepped again whereas Kamal Hassan hailed as “ulaga nayagan” remains to be attempting. Rajnikanth’s try and translate his “miraculous” conductor-to-stardom story didn’t repeat itself as he did not put collectively the mantra of spirituality and governance for politics. Kamal Hassan, although a grasp at his artwork, remains to be grappling to make sense of the brand new craft after electoral setbacks, even accepting an RS seat from the DMK in 2025 for assist.
In politics, in contrast to cinema, stunts at all times don’t repay.
Nonetheless, with age on his aspect, the place will Joseph Vijay match on this storied custom? Will he carve out a legacy or will his political journey be one other that sparkles out? That continues to be the million greenback query.
Disclaimer
Views expressed above are the creator’s personal.
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