Our Bureau
Chennai
As counting results show Thalapathy Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leading in the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026, celebrations have broken out across the state. The superstar-turned-politician’s party is disrupting the polls with strong early gains.
Vijay, now a key political player, built his image through powerful social dramas before joining politics. These films tackled big issues like farmers’ rights, health scams, and corruption, winning hearts and box office success.
One top hit is Kaththi (2014), directed by A.R. Murugadoss. It stars Vijay in a dual role as escaped convict Kathiresan, who fights for drought-hit farmers against corporate greed. The film was Vijay’s second highest-grossing movie that year, after Jilla, and highlighted struggles in Tamil Nadu where government favored soft drink factories over agriculture.
Mersal (2017), helmed by Atlee, saw Vijay as doctor Maaran battling medical corruption. He charges just 5 rupees for treatment and exposes unethical practices, earning praise for its bold message on healthcare ethics.
Other impactful films include Sarkar on electoral fraud and Thalaivaa (2013) on leadership and accountability. Fans say these movies laid the ground for Vijay’s real-life political rise with TVK.
With TVK’s lead on May 4, 2026, Vijay’s cinematic legacy blends with his poll success. Supporters see his films’ themes of justice and governance reflected in his campaign.
