New Delhi: Tamil Nadu’s custom of actors coming into politics has a brand new entrant: actor Vijay, who is likely 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 occasion “Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam” (Tamil Nadu Victory Get together) on Friday. The phrase ‘Mersal’ means to create worry 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 plenty and the critics, and in addition 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.
Lengthy Listing Of Stars In Tamil Nadu Politics
The state has a protracted historical past of actors turning politicians, courting again to the early 1950s, 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 individuals 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 identified for his oratory and writing abilities.
Essentially 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 3 times. He began his political profession within the DMK, and later cut up from it to kind his personal occasion. He was adopted by his protege J Jayalalithaa, who additionally turned the Chief Minister 3 times and dominated the AIADMK with an iron hand. Each MGR and Jayalalithaa loved a cult-like following among the many plenty and dominated the state politics for many years.
Other than MGR and Jayalalithaa, no different actor has been in a position to replicate their success in politics. ‘Captain’ Vijayakanth, who floated his personal occasion DMDK, turned the Chief of Opposition in 2011, however solely after aligning with the AIADMK. He later misplaced his political relevance and his occasion’s vote share dwindled.
Kamal Haasan, who’s broadly thought to be one of many most interesting actors in Indian cinema, has not been in a position to translate his recognition into votes. He launched his occasion Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) in 2018, and contested the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and the 2021 Meeting elections, however didn’t win any seat.
Sivaji Ganesan, one other legendary actor in Tamil cinema, had a short stint in politics. He joined the Congress and later fashioned his personal occasion, however stop politics after dropping the 1989 Meeting election in Tiruvaiyaru. Sarath Kumar, a former DMK MP, runs his personal occasion ‘Akila Indiya Samathuva Makkal Katchi’, however has not made any important affect. Different 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 energetic within the BJP.
Vijay, who has declared that he has ready for his political innings by studying classes from seniors, faces a tricky problem within the political area. Whereas his followers are assured of his management and celebrated his occasion launch by bursting crackers and distributing meals, political analysts are sceptical.
Sumanth Raman, a famous political commentator, stated that operating a political occasion is a really troublesome job and attaining in politics is even tougher. He stated that Vijay must show his mettle and imaginative and prescient within the upcoming native physique elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
