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Thalapathy Vijay Launches Political Party, Eyes 2026 Elections Over Regional Race

From blockbuster hero to political wildcard: Vijay’s party bets big on Gen Z fervor. Can his silver-screen charisma rewrite Tamil Nadu’s power play?

The image shows an old black and white photo of an Indian man wearing a suit. His face is clearly...
The image shows an old black and white photo of an Indian man wearing a suit. His face is clearly visible, with a strong jawline and a prominent nose. His eyes are looking directly at the viewer, and his expression is serious and thoughtful.

Thalapathy Vijay Launches Political Party, Eyes 2026 Elections Over Regional Race

Tamil film star Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, widely known as Thalapathy Vijay, has launched his own political party. Named Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), it was officially formed on 2 February 2024. Though the actor-turned-politician will not contest the upcoming regional elections in April and May, his party plans to make its debut in the 2026 parliamentary polls instead.

Vijay’s political ambitions follow a shift in his on-screen image. Once a romantic lead, his recent roles now focus on social justice, portraying him as a defender of the marginalised. His latest film, Jana Nayaga (The People’s Hero), releases this month and doubles as a campaign slogan for his political push.

His public rallies draw massive crowds, resembling high-energy rock concerts rather than traditional political events. Fans turn out in force, reflecting the enthusiasm of his core supporters—particularly Generation Z, who make up nearly a fifth of Tamil Nadu’s voters. Vijay markets himself as a disruptor, targeting disillusioned citizens frustrated with the state’s established parties. Critics, however, question his readiness for politics. They point to the absence of a clear policy platform and a lack of experienced leaders within TVK. Despite this, Vijay’s trajectory mirrors that of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who also transitioned from entertainment to political leadership. Though TVK will not field candidates in the 2024 regional elections, Vijay has positioned himself as a challenger to Tamil Nadu’s political establishment. His long-term success may hinge on whether his popularity translates into electoral support.

Vijay’s entry into politics marks a bold move from cinema to governance. With his party set to contest national elections in 2026, the coming years will test whether his star power can secure a lasting political role. For now, his focus remains on building momentum beyond the silver screen.

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