Vijay’s Moment Of Reckoning Is Here: To NDA Or Go His Own Way?

Last Updated:March 13, 2026, 17:26 IST

As the Tamil Nadu election nears, Vijay has been nudged in multiple ways to join the NDA camp

Few actor-turned-politicians have faced crises of the magnitude that actor Vijay has had to face as a politician. While many, if not most, of these crises can be laid at his own door, there is no denying that he has been the focus of political rivals, regional and national alike. It is clear that mistakes, or slip-ups, are being scooped for political leverage, be it the Karur tragedy or his own recent personal crisis.

Of late, as the election nears, Vijay has been nudged in multiple ways to join the NDA camp. This is significant given his unique political posturing in Tamil Nadu. On one side is the DMK, arrayed with the Congress, the Leftist outfits, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), the late actor Vijayakanth’s DMDK, and Vaiko’s MDMK. This is a winning combination that has put up a strong front with a successful anti-BJP narrative. On the other side is the NDA, encompassing the AIADMK, the PMK (led by Anbumani Ramadoss), and other regional parties. In a political scenario of fragmented strongholds, any party would love a force like Vijay. Here is an actor whose mere presence draws crowds by the tens of thousands, so much so that he has to plead with delirious fans to stop following his convoy.

Should Vijay bury his head in his hands in confusion, he should just look back at history. Actor Vijayakanth’s famed entry in the mid-2000s is definitely comparable to Vijay’s current situation, although significantly different too. While he had a powerful following, he also had powerful rivals: M Karunanidhi and J Jayalalithaa at the peak of their respective political influences. While Vijay does not have the equivalent of both, he does face an omnipotent NDA in Delhi. Should he contest alone, it would be a strong test of his individual capability. It would also send the signal that he does not bend to pressure. It would further signal to local rivals that he is cutting his own path, playing the long-term game.

Should he be uncertain about what his political stature would look like post-NDA, he has Kamal Haasan to take reference from. The actor-turned-politician started strong and secured upwards of 3% in his maiden elections, but soon, there was a loss of political steam, and partnering with the DMK has made his party an annexure to it.

Vijay finds himself at a rare kind of crossroads. On one side, there is the prospect of political alliances—the equivalent of comfort food (from his interviews, mutton biryani). On the other side is a bitter pill. His choice will reflect the seriousness in his heart about politics.

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