How Vijay put together a winning campaign and what the DMK got wrong

May 5, 2026 | 17:24 IST

The superstar’s debut political campaign shows the benefits of speaking less and reaching out directly to voters. It’s also a dramatic transition for the quiet superstar who grew up on sets and waited a long time for box office success.

Despite a massive victory that few predicted, Vijay’s TVK (Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam) finished with 108 seats and needed the support of 10 MLAs to form the government in the state. While the DMK declared it would not ally with the party that vanquished it, there was speculation over where the numbers would be made up from.

The possibility of the other Dravidian party in the state, AIADMK, striking a deal with the party also seemed remote. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami was seen as being averse to the idea of playing second fiddle to Vijay.

TOI

TOI

How Vijay put together a winning campaign and what the DMK got wrong

The superstar’s debut political campaign shows the benefits of speaking less and reaching out directly to voters. It’s also a dramatic transition for the quiet superstar who grew up on sets and waited a long time for box office success.

{{{h1}}}

{{{h1}}}

{{{h3}}}

{{{offerprice}}}

{{{h3}}}

{{{offerprice}}}

{{{h1}}}

{{{h1}}}

{{{h1}}}

{{h2}}

{{{h1}}}

{{h2}}

{{{h1}}}

{{h2}}

Your Privacy is Important to us

Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information

TOI

How Vijay put together a winning campaign and what the DMK got wrong

The superstar’s debut political campaign shows the benefits of speaking less and reaching out directly to voters. It’s also a dramatic transition for the quiet superstar who grew up on sets and waited a long time for box office success.

{{{h1}}}

{{{h1}}}

{{{h3}}}

{{{offerprice}}}

{{{h3}}}

{{{offerprice}}}

{{{h1}}}

{{{h1}}}

{{{h1}}}

{{h2}}

{{{h1}}}

{{h2}}

{{{h1}}}

{{h2}}