FROM FAN CLUB TO PARTY: MAPPING AND ASSESING THE POLITICAL JOURNEY OF ACTOR VIJAY

Regasounder K; Balasubramaniam J.

doi:10.29121/shodhkosh.v5.i6.2024.1684

Authors

Regasounder K ICSSR Doctoral Fellow & PhD. Research Scholar, Department of Journalism and Science Communication, Madurai Kamaraj University, India
Dr. J. Balasubramaniam Assistant Professor, Department of Journalism and Science Communication, Madurai Kamaraj University, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v5.i6.2024.1684

Keywords:

Fan Club, Tamilnadu, Cinema, Politics

Abstract [English]

Following in the footsteps of movie stars who become politicians, Vijay, the highest paid actor at the moment with a massive fan base, has entered mainstream politics. With the introduction of his party, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (Tamil Nadu Triumph Federation), the actor made his political debut on February 2, 2024, eliminating any and all uncertainty. This essay tries to trace preparedness of the actor for his political journey. It attempts to analyse whether an actor's large fan base is sufficient for them to succeed in politics. This article examines actor Vijay's political actions both on and off screen in an attempt to predict how successful the actor will be in Tamil Nadu politics. Actor appears to be taking progressive politics seriously in a three-page formal statement that opens with the party's slogan, "Pirapokkum Ella Uyirkkum" from Thirukkural, which roughly translates to "All are equal by birth." However, will he be able to create an ideology that will rival Tamil Nadu's deeply ingrained Dravidian ideology?
#Tamilnadu #cinema #politics #MGR #Vijay #Dravidianpolitics #SocioPolitical #popularculture

References

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