By Kasun Sapumohotti

Thalapathy Vijay’s political journey has become one of the most talked-about stories in Tamil Nadu today. For years, fans speculated if the superstar would step into politics, and in early 2024, he finally did, launching Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and announcing that he would contest the 2026 state elections from Madurai East. For his supporters, it felt like a dream come true. But for many others, the big question is: does Vijay have what it takes to move from reel life to real politics?

When you look closely, his political groundwork is still very thin. Yes, he has spoken about the problems of Tamil fishermen and even questioned the old Katchatheevu agreement with Sri Lanka. But those are mostly statements, not years of on-the-ground work. Unlike M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) and Jayalalithaa, who built their political careers step by step, first through party work, then through welfare programs, and finally by earning voter trust, Vijay seems to be skipping straight to the top, relying on his film stardom as his ticket.

Crowds at his rallies look massive, no doubt. But that raises another question: are they coming to see a future leader, or just to see their favourite actor in person? Cinema fame can fill stadiums, but elections are fought and won at the ballot box, one voter at a time. A rally might bring excitement, but it doesn’t always translate into votes.

Then there’s Vijay’s communication style. He avoids press conferences, rarely gives interviews, and often chooses carefully staged appearances over open debates. In films, silence and mystery may work to create aura. In politics, though, people expect answers, accountability, and a leader who’s willing to take tough questions head-on. Without that, critics argue, Vijay risks being seen as just another celebrity entering politics without a clear plan.

For Sri Lanka, his rise matters only if he proves himself in elections. If Vijay actually wins big in 2026, Colombo will have to pay attention, especially since he has already spoken on sensitive issues like fishermen’s rights and Katchatheevu. But right now, he looks more like a star trying to test the waters of politics than a grounded political leader.

The truth is, Vijay is at a crossroads. If he can turn his star power into real political strength, he could reshape Tamil Nadu politics in the years to come. But if he fails to convert crowds into votes, his journey may end up as just another story of a movie icon who tried to walk the rough road of politics without doing the hard work first. For now, the verdict is still out: is Vijay the next great leader of Tamil Nadu or just a superstar chasing a new role he may not be ready to play?