Staff Reporter

Indian film superstar C. Joseph Vijay was sworn in as chief minister of Tamil Nadu on May 10 after his newly formed political party successfully stitched together a coalition government following a fiercely contested state election.

The oath-taking ceremony took place at Chennai’s packed Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, where thousands of cheering supporters gathered to witness the rise of one of South India’s biggest cinema icons to the top political office in the state. Fans repeatedly chanted “Mudhalvar,” the Tamil word for chief minister, as Vijay took the oath amid tight security and emotional celebrations.

Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, popularly known as TVK, emerged as the single largest party in the 234-member Tamil Nadu legislative assembly by winning 108 seats. Although the tally fell short of the 118 seats needed for a simple majority, the actor-turned-politician secured support from several smaller parties, including the opposition Indian National Congress, pushing the coalition’s strength to 120 seats and clearing the way for him to form the government.

Addressing supporters after taking office, the 51-year-old leader described himself as an ordinary citizen rather than a traditional political heir.

“I am not from a royal political background, just a common man,” Vijay told the crowd. “My primary focus will be on basic issues such as education, ration supplies, healthcare, drinking water, roads and bus facilities.”

He also announced an initial set of policy priorities aimed at reducing electricity costs and strengthening women’s safety measures across the state.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Vijay shortly after the ceremony, saying the federal government would cooperate with the new administration to improve the lives of the people of Tamil Nadu.

Vijay’s political rise marks one of the most dramatic transitions from cinema to politics in modern Indian history. Born to a Christian father and a Hindu mother, he entered the film industry as a child actor in 1984 under the direction of his filmmaker father. Over the decades, he grew into one of Tamil cinema’s most bankable stars, earning the nickname “Thalapathy,” meaning “leader.”

His films often combined action and entertainment with strong social and political themes, helping him cultivate an image as a defender of ordinary people. Many of his blockbuster movies addressed issues such as corruption, farmers’ struggles, unemployment and electoral malpractice, themes that later became central to his political messaging.

Vijay formally launched TVK in 2024, promising to fight corruption and expand social justice. His campaign quickly gained traction among younger voters and first-time voters seeking an alternative to the two dominant Dravidian parties — the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam — which have alternated power in Tamil Nadu since the late 1960s.

Political analysts credited Vijay’s massive fan base and celebrity appeal for his remarkable electoral breakthrough. His rallies routinely attracted huge crowds across the state, particularly among urban youth and lower-middle-class voters.

However, the campaign was not without controversy. A stampede during a September campaign rally reportedly killed at least 40 people, sparking criticism over crowd management and public safety. Despite the tragedy, Vijay’s popularity appeared largely unaffected during the election season.

Now in office, Vijay faces the difficult task of transforming his immense public popularity into effective governance. Tamil Nadu remains one of India’s most economically significant states, with major industries ranging from automobile manufacturing to electronics production. The state is also a major hub for smartphone manufacturing, including production linked to Apple Inc. iPhones.

Observers say the success or failure of Vijay’s administration could reshape the political landscape not only in Tamil Nadu but across India, where celebrity-driven politics continues to wield significant influence.