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For more than three decades, Vijay has held a special place in the hearts of Tamil Nadu's residents. His films have evolved beyond simple entertainment, turning into monumental events that could bring entire cities to a standstill. On the days of his film releases, schools would often close unofficially as fans gathered outside theaters, celebrating long before the first showing began. Known as Thalapathy, he has built one of the most fervent fan bases in Indian cinema, thanks to his unwavering commitment and his ability to connect with the common man. Then, in a surprising turn, he shifted from the film industry to a much broader arena!

Vijay made his debut as a lead actor in Naalaiya Theerpu in 1992 at just 18 years old. Although the film did not fare well at the box office and received negative reviews, Vijay's determination never wavered. He continued to work hard and eventually found success with films like Rasigan (1994) and Poove Unakkaga (1996), earning the State Film Award for his romantic film Kadhalukku Mariyadhai in 1997. However, romance was just the beginning of a much larger journey.

One film that notably marked Vijay's transformation from actor to superstar was Ghilli (2004). This film became the first Tamil production to exceed Rs 50 crore at the domestic box office and enjoyed an impressive 200-day run in theaters across the state. In this film, Vijay played a kabaddi player caught in a dangerous rescue mission, showcasing a performance that was electrifying and unlike anything audiences had seen from him before.

As the 2010s approached, Vijay underwent a significant transformation. He evolved from being merely a charming romantic lead to becoming a voice for the common man. In Thuppakki (2012), he portrayed an army officer on the hunt for a terrorist group, earning appreciation for his depiction of a patriotic figure. Following this, Kaththi in 2014 emerged as one of his most politically charged films, where he played dual roles as an activist and a reformed criminal, addressing critical issues like farmer struggles and corporate exploitation. Upon its release, it became the highest-grossing Tamil film of 2014 and won the Best Tamil Film Award at the 62nd Filmfare Awards South.

Mersal marked a pivotal moment in Vijay's career, where he took on triple roles for the first time, tackling the issue of medical corruption. The film was a massive box office hit and sparked genuine political discussions in Tamil Nadu, especially regarding its commentary on GST and healthcare. The ensuing controversy only heightened public interest and solidified the perception that Vijay stood for something.

Sarkar (2018) took this further, featuring Vijay as an NRI who returns to vote and confronts a corrupt political system. The film faced controversy even before its release, with political parties demanding cuts. Nevertheless, audiences flocked to theaters in record numbers, and Vijay received critical acclaim, further elevating his popularity.

In Bigil, Vijay played a football coach fighting against corruption in sports, and the film grossed over Rs 300 crore globally while promoting women's empowerment. Following this, Master was released in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, attracting large audiences even as theaters reopened. This demonstrated the immense influence he held.

In February 2024, Vijay announced his retirement from films and revealed his entry into politics with the establishment of his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Many were skeptical, as Tamil Nadu had seen actors transition into politics before, like the legendary MGR, Jayalalithaa, and Kamal Haasan, but none had disrupted the stronghold of the DMK and AIADMK like this.

On March 18, 2026, Vijay declared that TVK would contest independently in all 234 constituencies, a bold move for a new party. On March 29, 2026, he unveiled TVK's manifesto, promising a drug-free state, job guarantees for youth, collateral-free education loans, and monthly financial support for students.

The results were astonishing. TVK secured 108 seats, emerging as the largest party, defeating both the ruling DMK and the opposition AIADMK. Vijay contested from two constituencies and won both: Perambur in North Chennai by a margin of 53,715 votes, and Tiruchirapalli East by 27,416 votes.

However, the numbers tell only part of the story. It was Vijay's loyal fans, who had filled theaters for midnight screenings for three decades, who turned out in droves at polling stations, transforming their superstar's political dreams into reality.

From a struggling newcomer facing harsh criticism at 18 to a superstar who brought joy to Tamil Nadu for thirty years, and now a political force that challenged a six-decade duopoly on its first attempt, the Thalapathy Vijay saga is one that even his most devoted scriptwriters could not have imagined!