He's conquered the silver screen. Now actor C Joseph Vijay is taking on the political establishment—and Tamil Nadu's power brokers are watching closely.
Standing atop a customised van in Tirunelveli, the 51-year-old tells a roaring crowd that his rivals have ganged up to stop him from becoming chief minister. "My rivals might appear different from outside, but they have only one aim: that Vijay should not become the chief minister," he declares, as supporters chant his name—which means "victory" in Tamil—in unison.
Vijay's entry into Tamil Nadu's state elections transforms what was a predictable two-party battle between the ruling DMK and opposition AIADMK into a three-cornered contest.
The actor launched his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party in 2024, promising to end the grip of political dynasties that have dominated Tamil Nadu since 1967. Tamil Nadu, one of India's most developed states, has long had a soft spot for film stars in power—some are literally worshipped as demigods years after their deaths.
Political experts say Vijay can "at best be a disruptor" in this triangular race. With millions flocking to his rallies on pure charisma alone, he has already shifted the political dynamics. The DMK's incumbent Chief Minister MK Stalin leads a 14-party alliance, while opposition leader Edappadi K Palaniswami heads a 10-party coalition backed by PM Narendra Modi's BJP.
As Tamil Nadu votes for its 234-member assembly on Thursday, the age of two-party dominance in the south appears to be ending. Whether Vijay can actually win is uncertain—but his presence has already rewritten the political equation.
