Vishal Makkal Nala Iyakkam turns fan club into people’s welfare movement

CHENNAI: In a probable step towards electoral politics, actor Vishal turned his fan club into

Vishal Makkal Nala Iyakkam

(people’s welfare movement) on Wednesday. The 41-year-old unveiled the organisation’s flag amid fans soon after the 100th day celebrations of his recent film ‘Irumbu Thirai. The actor said the Thiruparankundram bypoll is approaching.

“The Thiruparankundram constituency falls in our (

Madurai

) land. We will wait and see what happens. But know that I am always with you (people),” said Vishal, who heads Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC). His attempt to enter politics was thwarted last year after the EC rejected his candidacy for the R K Nagar bypoll, citing discrepancies in the nomination papers.

At the success meet of ‘Irumbu Thirai’, veteran director S A Chandrasekar urged Vishal to break barriers to become a people’s leader. Chandrasekar, who has been making public appeals to his son and actor Vijay to join politics, said, “There are barriers preventing you (Vishal) from doing good. But you must fight back and if you don’t you will lose your identity. I have great expectations from you (Vishal).”

Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFS) president R K Selvamani asked Vishal to serve the industry before he enters politics. “The Tamil film industry is in turmoil due to losses suffered by producers. It needs a leader with an iron hand. Like MGR and Vijayakanth, Vishal must serve the industry. Then people will welcome him into politics.” Selvamani remarked that all those who jeered at Vishal’s attempt to enter politics are “mere comedians like Vadivel”.


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