New Delhi: Tamil Nadu’s custom of actors coming into politics has a brand new entrant: actor Vijay, who is without doubt one of the hottest and profitable stars within the state. The actor, who had confronted the ire of the BJP for his anti-GST dialogues in his 2017 blockbuster ‘Mersal’, introduced his political social gathering “Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam” (Tamil Nadu Victory Party) on Friday. The phrase ‘Mersal’ means to create concern or awe, and within the context of the movie directed by Atlee, it referred to the daring and righteous deeds of the protagonist. The movie was an enormous hit among the many lots and the critics, and likewise sparked a political controversy.
Vijay’s political entry comes at a time when he’s on the peak of his profession and fame in cinema, and at a comparatively younger age of 49. This makes him an distinctive case among the many actors who’ve ventured into politics in Tamil Nadu.
Long List Of Stars In Tamil Nadu Politics
The state has an extended historical past of actors turning politicians, courting again to the early Nineteen Fifties, when the Dravidian motion used drama and cinema as a medium to propagate its beliefs. The DMK founder and former Chief Minister CN Annadurai, who was a Dravidian icon, had a profound affect on the folks and the movie business along with his writings, performs and movies. His successor and late DMK chief M Karunanidhi additionally achieved nice success in Tamil literature and cinema, and was recognized for his oratory and writing expertise.
The most charismatic and profitable actor-turned-politician in Tamil Nadu was M G Ramachandran, who based the AIADMK and have become the Chief Minister thrice. He began his political profession within the DMK, and later cut up from it to kind his personal social gathering. He was adopted by his protege J Jayalalithaa, who additionally grew to become the Chief Minister thrice and dominated the AIADMK with an iron hand. Both MGR and Jayalalithaa loved a cult-like following among the many lots and dominated the state politics for many years.
Apart from MGR and Jayalalithaa, no different actor has been capable of replicate their success in politics. ‘Captain’ Vijayakanth, who floated his personal social gathering DMDK, grew to become the Leader of Opposition in 2011, however solely after aligning with the AIADMK. He later misplaced his political relevance and his social gathering’s vote share dwindled.
Kamal Haasan, who’s extensively thought to be one of many most interesting actors in Indian cinema, has not been capable of translate his reputation into votes. He launched his social gathering Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) in 2018, and contested the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and the 2021 Assembly elections, however did not win any seat.
Sivaji Ganesan, one other legendary actor in Tamil cinema, had a quick stint in politics. He joined the Congress and later fashioned his personal social gathering, however stop politics after dropping the 1989 Assembly election in Tiruvaiyaru. Sarath Kumar, a former DMK MP, runs his personal social gathering ‘Akila Indiya Samathuva Makkal Katchi’, however has not made any vital affect. Other actors who began their very own events with none success embody Karthik, Ok Bhagyaraj and T Rajendar.
Some actors have additionally joined nationwide events just like the BJP and the Congress. Napolean, who was a DMK MP and a Union Minister of State, later joined the BJP and moved to the USA. Khushbu Sundar, who was earlier within the DMK and the Congress, is now lively within the BJP.
Vijay, who has declared that he has ready for his political innings by studying classes from seniors, faces a troublesome problem within the political area. While his followers are assured of his management and celebrated his social gathering launch by bursting crackers and distributing meals, political analysts are sceptical.
Sumanth Raman, a famous political commentator, stated that working a political social gathering is a really troublesome job and reaching in politics is even tougher. He stated that Vijay should show his mettle and imaginative and prescient within the upcoming native physique elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
