Who Is Vijay and why is he trending? Inside his Political rise and TVK’s early lead

Actor Vijay, popularly known as Thalapathy Vijay, is currently one of the most talked-about names on social media and for good reason. The reason is not a film release, but his dramatic entry into politics and the stunning early performance of his party in Tamil Nadu elections. The Tamil superstar has stepped into politics, launching Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), in 2024. Now, early election trends suggest that his party is already making a strong impact. 

So, why is Vijay trending right now?

It’s largely because of the surprising early leads his party is showing in Tamil Nadu elections. According to reports, TVK is ahead in around 67 seats, putting it in direct competition with established players like the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), led by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. For a first-time political party, this kind of performance is unexpected and has sparked massive interest online. Adding to the buzz, Vijay himself is reportedly leading in constituencies like Perumbur and Trichy East.

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From Cinema Icon to Political Leader

He launched his own political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), in 2024. The party operates in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, with its headquarters in Chennai, and Vijay himself serves as its president. Its slogan, “Pirappokkum Ella Uyirkkum” (All are equal by birth), reflects an ideology inspired by reformers like B. R. Ambedkar and Periyar.

Why Vijay is Trending Right Now?

The current excitement comes from early election trends showing TVK performing exceptionally well. Reports suggest that Vijay’s party is leading across all regions of Tamil Nadu, signaling a strong wave in its favor. By around 10 am, only three out of 34 ministers from the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) were leading. Even Chief Minister M. K. Stalin and his son Udhayanidhi Stalin were reportedly trailing behind TVK candidates in key constituencies like Kolathur and Chepauk-Tiruvallikeni areas considered strongholds of the DMK.

If Vijay’s party continues this momentum and reaches the majority mark of 118 seats, his rise could be historic. He would then be compared to legendary actor-politicians like N. T. Rama Rao and M. G. Ramachandran, who successfully transitioned from cinema to politics within a short span after launching their respective parties.

Strong Political Beginning

Vijay officially entered politics in 2024 with the launch of TVK, marking a bold shift from cinema to public life. 

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His party has already outlined several welfare promises aimed at the common people, including:

Rs 2,500 monthly support for women6 free LPG cylinders per family8 grams of gold for girls’ marriagesRs 15,000 annual assistance for school studentsFree bus travel for womenUnemployment allowance (Rs4,000 for graduates, Rs2,500 for diploma holders)Loan waivers for farmers

These policies, combined with his strong fan base, have helped him connect quickly with voters. Vijay is also reported to have assets worth over ₹600 crore, reflecting his massive success before politics.

From Blockbuster Star to Mass Leader

Before entering politics, Vijay was one of the biggest stars in South Indian cinema. His breakthrough came with Ghilli (2004), which made him a household name.

He went on to deliver several major hits:

Mersal (2017), known for its strong social themesSarkar (2018), focused on political awarenessBigil (2019), highlighting women empowermentMaster (2021), a huge commercial successBeast (2022), an action entertainerVarisu (2023), a family dramaLeo (2023), his latest film and a major box office hitThe Greatest Of All Time (2023), Jana Nayagan (2026) his last film, which was also leaked online before the film's release

Many of these films carried subtle political messages, which helped shape his public image and possibly paved the way for his political journey.

Why This Moment is special for Vijay?

Vijay is trending because people are witnessing something rare a film superstar not just entering politics, but potentially reshaping it in record time. His rapid rise, strong public connect, and early electoral performance make him one of the most interesting political stories in India right now. Whether this wave turns into long-term success remains to be seen, but Vijay has already proven one thing his influence goes far beyond the big screen.