Fatwa Issued Against Actor-Politician Thalapathy Vijay Over Controversial Iftar Event

A fatwa has been issued against Tamil actor and politician Thalapathy Vijay by a Sunni Muslim body based in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, accusing him of anti-Islamic conduct and political opportunism. The fatwa, issued by Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilly, the National President of the All India Muslim Jamaat and Chief Mufti of Chashme Darul Ifta, comes in response to Vijay's controversial Iftar event and his portrayal of Muslims in films.

Maulana Razvi criticized Vijay for allegedly linking Muslims with terrorism and extremism in his film The Beast. According to the cleric, the film portrayed Muslims as “monsters” and “devils,” which fueled the accusation that Vijay’s movies propagate anti-Muslim sentiments. He added that Vijay is using Muslim support for his political ambitions, accusing the actor-politician of appeasing Muslims to gain votes.

In addition to the film allegations, the fatwa also criticized Vijay for the controversial Iftar party he hosted on March 8 at Chennai’s YMCA grounds. The event, organized by his political party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), is said to have invited individuals who were neither fasting nor observing Islamic practices, including alcoholics and gamblers. Maulana Razvi labeled this as a violation of the sanctity of Ramadan, advising Muslims in Tamil Nadu to avoid supporting Vijay or attending his programs.

“It is illegal and sinful to invite such people to an Iftar party,” said Maulana Razvi. He emphasized that the event was poorly managed, with attendees having “nothing to do with Iftar.” Sunni Muslims in Tamil Nadu have also filed a police complaint, alleging that the event insulted the Muslim community.

Vijay’s Iftar event was seen by some as a political move, with critics like former Tamil Nadu BJP state unit chief K Annamalai questioning the actor’s sincerity. “You will smoke and drink in movies, and then who gave you the right to speak about Tasmac? What was your character in the movie Master? Nothing will change just by wearing a skullcap for a day and holding an Iftar event,” Annamalai said.

The TVK chief, who wore a skull cap and participated in the evening namaz, had intended the event to foster inclusivity and brotherhood, though it has now sparked a significant backlash from some sections of the Muslim community.

Thalapathy Vijay Iftar event has now become a focal point in the growing controversy surrounding the actor-politician's image, with the fatwa highlighting both his cinematic portrayals and political strategy as reasons for the Muslim community's discontent.