Tamil Nadu's vibrant political landscape is once again witnessing the entry of a cinema superstar. Actor Vijay, whose on-screen portrayals have long resonated with the dreams, struggles, and aspirations of Tamil youth, has now stepped decisively into politics. With his recent announcement that his party, Tamilaka Vetri Kazhakam (TVK), will contest all assembly seats in 2026, Vijay’s political ambitions are clear and bold.

Vijay’s journey mirrors that of M.G. Ramachandran (M.G.R.), the legendary actor who, at 50, turned his cinematic charisma into a powerful political movement that redefined Tamil Nadu’s politics. M.G.R’s rise to power was a groundbreaking moment in Dravidian politics, as he utilized his stardom and populist appeal to lead Tamil Nadu as Chief Minister for over a decade. Today, at 50, Vijay draws inspiration from this legacy, seeking to channel his own appeal to Tamil audiences into a political force that may, in his words, uplift the people.

Vijay’s extensive filmography, including hits like 'Poove Unakkaga', 'Ghilli', 'Thuppakki', 'Sarkar' and 'Mersal', has deeply embedded him in the collective consciousness of the Tamil people. These portrayals of the common man, particularly the youth, speak directly to the Dravidian ethos—highlighting Tamil language, culture and a sense of justice. This history has positioned Vijay as a cinematic icon and potentially, a political one.

However, Vijay’s political vision for TVK is no mere reenactment of his cinematic heroics; it reflects careful thought and strategy. In the policy announcements eight months after his party’s formation, Vijay has crafted a progressive agenda that speaks to the Tamil people’s emotional, social and cultural sensitivities. His vision includes significant representation of leaders like Periyar, Kamaraj and Ambedkar, symbolizing the party’s commitment to social equality, anti-casteism and Tamil pride.

In his bid to appeal to Tamil Nadu’s younger generation, Vijay emphasizes the importance of both Tamil and English language education. He has committed to a 50% representation of women in governance, a progressive move likely to attract a broader constituency. His pledge to conduct a caste census aligns with the Dravidian movement’s longstanding demand for social justice and representation.

As Vijay enters a political arena dominated by the DMK and AIADMK for decades, he brings an element of youth that sets him apart from predecessors like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. His potential to challenge the entrenched DMK government marks a notable shift in Tamil Nadu’s political dynamics, raising questions about whether he can break the cycle of the state’s dual-party hegemony.

With TVK, Vijay is embarking on a challenging journey in Tamil Nadu’s politics. He is betting that his deep-rooted connection with the people, fostered through years of relatable film roles, will serve as the foundation for a new kind of leadership—one that prioritizes the aspirations of the Tamil people. The coming years will reveal whether Vijay’s political foray will indeed bring about a paradigm shift, ushering in a fresh chapter in the state’s politics.