Thalapathy’s vision: What Vijay’s films tell us about his ideology

Tamil actor-turned-politician Vijay scripted a blockbuster electoral debut. His party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), is set to form the government in Tamil Nadu. Vijay's cinematic journey suggests a long, carefully scripted build-up to politics. He initially played romance and family drama roles, building trust and emotional capital. Vijay transitioned into action roles in the 2000s, rebranding himself as a mass hero with a soft side. His films later took a distinctively political turn, addressing issues such as agrarian distress and healthcare commercialisation.