The Rise of Vijayakant: From Reel Hero to Political Leader

At a press conference in Chennai on June 1, 2005, Tamil cinema’s celebrated star Vijayakant announced that he would soon reveal his political party and its ideology. Just a few months later, on September 14, 2005, during his first State conference in Madurai, he launched the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) along with its flag, marking a historic entry into Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.

Vijayakant, fondly called ‘Captain’ after his popular film Captain Prabhakaran, was also hailed as ‘Puratchi Kalaignar’ (revolutionary artist) for his on-screen roles that often depicted him as a crusader for justice. At the time, the 54-year-old matinee idol had acted in 148 films, and his transition from cinema to politics was carefully strategized. His fans’ association, which he had built over decades, seamlessly transformed into a formidable political force.

Nearly two decades later, at the second State conference of Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on August 21, 2025, parallels were drawn to Vijayakant’s political debut. The massive turnout in Madurai brought back memories of the charismatic leader’s grand entry into politics, underlining how actors in Tamil Nadu continue to shape the State’s political journey.

Vijayakant’s rise remains a reminder of how cinema and politics have long been intertwined in Tamil Nadu, influencing leadership, party movements, and the aspirations of the masses.