‘Thalapathy’ to ‘Muthalvan’: Vijay’s journey from silver screen star to Tamil Nadu CM

CHENNAI: When C Joseph Vijay repeatedly claimed that the 2026 Assembly elections would be a direct contest between his party, the TVK, and the then ruling DMK, many dismissed the assertion.However, days after securing victory in the polls and garnering enough support to form the government, the 51-year-old was sworn in as the chief minister (Muthalvar/Muthalamaichar) of Tamil Nadu on Sunday after defeating the MK Stalin-led Dravidian major.Not just in framing the election as a direct battle with the DMK, TVK and its leader, ‘Thalapathy’ Vijay, also departed from the conventional campaign style followed by mainstream political parties. Vijay neither introduced candidates in all constituencies nor toured every segment, and largely avoided traditional high-pitched campaigning through public rallies and roadshows.However, his messages were repeatedly amplified on social media and spread widely through word of mouth by his fans and supporters.Vijay neither interacted with the press nor gave interviews, choosing instead to communicate directly with the public through social media platforms. In an unconventional strategy, he targeted teenagers and youngsters, encouraging them to persuade their parents to vote for TVK.He also blended elements of Dravidian ideology with Tamil nationalism while shaping the party’s political identity.About 25 to 30 years ago, few could have imagined that the cute, shy and soft-spoken Vijay would one day launch a political party and become Tamil Nadu’s chief minister in his very first election.That remarkable journey was captured in a photograph that recently went viral, showing late DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi with a young Vijay standing behind him. The image sparked widespread discussion, with many wondering whether Karunanidhi could ever have imagined that the boy in the frame would one day emerge as the challenger — and eventual vanquisher — of his son, M K Stalin.Vikraman, who directed Vijay in 'Poove Unakkaga,' told PTI: "Even back then, I was confident that he would go on to rule the cinema industry. I knew there was something special about him that would make people go crazy for him."Bharathan, who wrote the dialogues for 'Ghilli' and 'Madhurey', and also directed Azhagiya Tamil Magan and Bairavaa, concurs with Vikraman.Vijay, determined, had all along, carefully crafted a career roadmap to align with his goal of political transformation.Poove Unakkaga proved to be the first major breakthrough in Vijay’s early film career, paving the way for his rise as a mega star through a successful blend of strong emotions, family-centric stories, humour, high-energy action and chartbuster songs.The promotional title “Ilaya Thalapathy” (Young Commander) was introduced by Vijay’s family as early as his third film, Rasigan, reflecting their confidence in his future and a keen understanding of branding. Over the years, the title evolved as Vijay grew into the widely celebrated “Thalapathy.”Now, at 51, Chandrasekar Joseph Vijay has completed a remarkable transition — from ‘Thalapathy’ (commander) to ‘Thalaivan’ (leader) and Muthalvar (Chief Minister).Determined and strategic, Vijay had long shaped his cinematic journey in a way that aligned with his larger political ambitions.When Vijay’s fans, organised under the banner of Vijay Makkal Iyakkam (VMI), won local body elections in 2021 using the actor’s photographs during campaigning, it sparked political curiosity and hinted at his eventual entry into active politics. Several office-bearers of the VMI later went on to become key functionaries in Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).Years earlier, Vijay had also begun narrating stories during public events — a style closely associated with towering political figures such as former chief minister J Jayalalithaa. At the time, many felt he was attempting something overly ambitious.Like several iconic Tamil Nadu leaders, including the late M Karunanidhi, popularly known as ‘Kalaignar’, Vijay also adopted a signature style of addressing his fans and supporters to build a personal connect and strengthen his mass appeal."En Nenjil Kudiyirukkum...Nanba, Nanbi," (You live in my heart, friends) is Vijay's popular phrase to hail his supporters. Like some noted leaders, including Jayalalithaa, Vijay had rarely given interviews to the press and had all along spoken less in public, something he follows now in politics too.When his movie 'Thalaiva (The Leader, 2013)' had the tagline "Born to Lead," it gave a first, clear hint of his political ambition, but it was not definitive enough to conclude. However, about two years before Thalaiva, he had called on Anna Hazare at the venue of his fast in Delhi and expressed support, and it set tongues wagging.As expected, Thalaiva courted controversy, and the movie's release was delayed in Tamil Nadu by two weeks and it was screened only after its tagline had been removed. The AIADMK was in power at that time.When he addressed the challenges faced by farmers on screen in Kaththi (2014), it was seen by many of his fans as the emergence of a “messiah” figure. As his stardom grew, his films increasingly reflected political undertones.Mersal, directed by Atlee, sparked political controversy after a dialogue criticising the GST regime drew strong reactions from BJP leaders, including H Raja, who publicly questioned Vijay’s Christian faith and accused him of promoting a “hatred campaign.”Sarkar further intensified speculation about his political ambitions, as it focused on electoral politics and alleged voting fraud.Later, in the aftermath of the 2018 Thoothukudi police firing, Vijay visited the families of the victims and provided financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh each.The tips like "Usuppethuravankitta ummunnum,' (Be calm, move on by ignoring detractors) he gave in public functions became very popular. Also, the dialogues from his films were quite special that continued to be etched in people's memory, like "I am waiting (delivered with quiet intensity before a major action sequence, from Thuppaki and later Katthi), also helped elevate his stature.Vetri (1984) marked Vijay’s first appearance on screen as a child artiste, featuring in a film directed by his father S A Chandrasekhar and starring Vijayakanth.At 18, he made his debut as a lead actor with 'Naalaiya Theerpu' (1992), which did not perform well at the box office. His second film, Sendhoorapandi (1993), cast him as Vijayakanth’s younger brother. The film benefited from Vijayakanth’s strong popularity and went on to achieve commercial success, blending action and romance with a storyline centred on villagers resisting feudal oppression.Over the years, Vijay’s charisma and conviction helped him translate his on-screen heroism into a larger-than-life public persona and eventual political leadership. His journey, in many ways, reflects how even a “Thalapathy” may require a “Senthoorapandi” moment — a rare combination of opportunity, mentorship, and decisive action — to navigate the challenging terrain of politics and elections.(With PTI inputs)