mg ramachandran

Actor Vijay’s rise to the centre of Tamil Nadu’s political conversation was carefully incubated in cinema under the guidance of his father, SA Chandrasekhar, a filmmaker known for socially rooted narratives.

As votes are counted on May 4, will the results follow familiar patterns? These four states show how voters shape power — through loyalty, rivalry, rotation, and realignment

Actor-turned-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is poised to reshape Tamil Nadu's political landscape, leading in 109 constituencies in early election results. This strong debut challenges established parties, potentially ending decades of DMK-AIADMK dominance and marking a significant shift in state politics.

Veteran actor Sivakumar reminisced about a 1979 encounter with M.G. Ramachandran, who he said 'cursed' him to remain young. Now 85, Sivakumar shared how MGR's words have held true, attributing his youthful appearance and energy to a disciplined lifestyle. His reflections on MGR's blessing-like curse and his own vitality resonated with the audience.

Exit polls present a stark contrast for Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections. While most predict a spoiler role with 10-24 seats, one outlier suggests a Kejriwal-like breakthrough of 98-120 seats. The outcome hinges on converting star power into grassroots strength, unlike Prashant Kishor's Bihar debut.

Mega movie star "Thalapathy" Vijay's party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has emerged as a significant force in Tamil Nadu politics, disrupting the DMK and AIADMK's dominance. While TVK secured triple-digit leads in early trends, it fell short of a majority, prompting debate on structural shifts versus celebrity appeal and raising questions about Vijay's solo political path.

And today, one of the starkest outliers in the early trends is the performance of Vijay’s TVK. But who is Vijay, who, if trends hold, could become the new Thalapathy of Tamil Nadu politics?

The 2026 assembly elections have dramatically reshaped India's political landscape. Vijay's debut in Tamil Nadu, the BJP's gains in West Bengal and Kerala's return to rotation mark significant shifts. Established powers face challenges as new forces emerge, redefining narratives and pushing others to the margins. This analysis highlights the key winners and losers.

Indian politics is witnessing an era of pre-poll freebies, with parties offering cash doles and concessions to woo voters. Tamil Nadu has a long history of welfare politics, evolving from subsidized food and education to direct cash transfers and consumer goods, now focusing on universal benefits and fiscal sustainability.

In today's landscape, celebrities are transforming their stardom into political capital, a phenomenon heightened by the rise of the 'attention economy' and social media platforms. Figures like Nepal’s Prime Minister Balen Shah and Ukraine’s President Zelensky exemplify this trend, showcasing how public affection can be a powerful tool for political ascendance.

Tamil cinema's influence extends to politics, with stars like MGR and Vijayakanth transitioning to leadership roles. Many actors, including R. Sarathkumar and Kamal Haasan, have successfully balanced on-screen careers with public service. Vijay's recent party launch signals a continuing trend of actors entering the political arena, impacting the state's landscape.

Veteran actor Rajendra Prasad has apologized for his remarks concerning M.G. Ramachandran, following backlash from the Tamil film industry. He explained his comments were made casually during an award ceremony and were later exaggerated on social media. Prasad emphasized his deep respect for the late actor-politician and sought forgiveness, promising such statements would not be repeated.

Actor Vishal thanked veteran Telugu actor Rajendra Prasad for his apology regarding comments made about late Tamil Nadu CM MGR. Prasad, who had reportedly claimed MGR feared another actor's talent, expressed regret, stating he misspoke and never intended to disrespect the legendary figure. Vishal acknowledged the apology, emphasizing understanding MGR fans' sentiments.

Rajendra Prasad made the remarks while speaking about Kantha Rao’s acting at an award ceremony held in Hyderabad.

South cinema saw significant developments today, including the withdrawal of 'Jana Nayagan's' OTT deal due to censor delays and Rashmika Mandanna's warning of legal action over a leaked audio clip. Naga Chaitanya's gym look for 'Vrusha Karma' went viral, while Malayalam actor Hari Murali passed away at 27. Vishal also condemned Rajendra Prasad's remarks on MGR.

Sasikala made the announcement during a public meeting at Kamuthi in Ramanathapuram district on the birth anniversary of Jayalalithaa.