Will Vijay's standalone act in Tamil Nadu polls pay off?
'The idea of many in Vijay's party is to go solo and assess their influence,' says Chennai-based veteran political commentator Priyan Srinivasan. 'If they align with any other party, Vijay's personal influence will become a question mark. If they claim Vijay won because of their alliance, it would be humiliating for him.'Going solo frees Vijay from the burdens of alliance politics and allows the TVK to assess its real vote-share, base and ability to function as a standalone political force. It also sends a message to voters that Vijay is not here to play at the margins but to stake a direct claim to power. Whether that message resonates across rural and urban Tamil Nadu remains to be seen. Win or lose, this approach will offer the TVK electoral clarity and data invaluable for shaping future strategies.This mirrors the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party's test of strength in Delhi in 2013. If Vijay manages even 8-12 per cent of the vote across constituencies, he will likely become a permanent fixture in Tamil Nadu politics. Post-polls, Vijay could potentially negotiate a deal with the AIADMK for deputy chief ministership should that party decide to drop the BJP.But will he opt for such a gambit? 'Vijay is unlikely to go with the AIADMK because he has been declared the chief ministerial candidate, and any alliance will have to be led by him. Would he be content with being deputy chief minister, like actor Pawan Kalyan in Andhra Pradesh?' wonders Priyan, explaining: 'If Vijay takes AIADMK votes and weakens it, he could emerge as the second force in Tamil Nadu. But if he helps strengthen the AIADMK, he will remain the third force. Actor Vijayakanth had made the same mistake in 2011 by helping Jayalalithaa.'advertisementVijay is entering a political arena historically open to actors—but only selectively. Since M.G. Ramachandran's successful transition from matinee idol to chief minister, many actors have tried to emulate his path but with limited or no success. J. Jayalalithaa followed in MGR's footsteps and went on to dominate Tamil Nadu politics, but her rise was rooted more in her control over the AIADMK and MGR's legacy than in her acting career alone.Vijayakanth saw initial success with his Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) in 2006 but faltered due to various factors. Kamal Haasan, who launched the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) in 2018, has struggled to convert admiration into votes. Rajinikanth, despite years of anticipation and announcements, ultimately never entered the electoral fray. The message from recent history is clear: cinematic popularity alone does not translate into lasting political power.That said, Vijay's strengths are significant. He enjoys an enormous fan following, particularly among the young. As per electoral rolls updated in early 2025, Tamil Nadu has over 11.9 million voters aged 18 to 29, this bloc accounting for nearly 19 per cent of the electorate. These voters have grown up watching Vijay set the screen on fire. That emotional imprint could be a powerful tool in mobilising support, especially among first-time voters disillusioned with traditional parties.advertisement'No doubt Vijay is a popular actor,' observes Priyan. 'The only question is whether his fans will vote for him or whether those who dislike both the DMK and AIADMK will rally behind him. Youth who rejected both Dravidian parties had voted for Vijayakanth in 2006. Vijay is likely to attract a similar bloc. But we cannot assume all youth or new voters will support him.'There are evident gaps. Unlike MGR, Vijay has not consistently cultivated a political screen image. His roles have ranged from the saviour to the cynic, lacking the moral consistency and direct messaging that MGR built over decades. 'Whether his fans will turn into cadre and vote for him will be known only after the elections,' says Priyan. 'It is possible his fans are distributed across existing parties and may not automatically shift. Also, for first-time voters, if they come from traditional DMK or AIADMK households, will they really vote for Vijay?'advertisementThe TVK has announced a statewide outreach from September to December, with a roadshow targeting farmers in the Cauvery Delta scheduled in August. The party claims to have enrolled over 10 million members and aims to double that figure. These moves suggest a serious attempt to convert fan enthusiasm into electoral muscle. However, it is uncertain whether such mobilisation can match the deeply-rooted ground networks of the DMK and AIADMK.Importantly, Vijay has now taken a more defined stance against the BJP. 'Vijay has shut the door on the BJP by calling it a polarising political force and declaring it an ideological enemy,' points out Priyan. 'He said he would neither directly nor indirectly align with the BJP, effectively closing that chapter.'At the same time, he appears to be keeping his options open with the AIADMK. 'Vijay has not said a word about the DMK's alleged corruption, which shows he still has a soft corner for the AIADMK, because should he attack the DMK on corruption, questions will arise about his silence on AIADMK corruption,' says Priyan. 'He is also signalling to DMK allies that if they are unhappy, there's space for them with Vijay.' advertisementThe coming year will determine whether Vijay can transform personal charisma into political credibility. His decision to go it alone in the 2026 polls is significant. If he can build emotional rapport with voters, articulate a clear ideological vision and sustain grassroots activity, he may well redefine the future role of actors in Tamil Nadu politics. If not, his campaign could follow the familiar trajectory of others who came before—briefly disruptive but ultimately absorbed or sidelined. Subscribe to India Today Magazine- EndsMust Watch
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