Chennai: The electoral victory of Vijay in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections has sparked renewed interest in his filmography, particularly the roles where he portrayed a champion of the people.
As the leader of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, Vijay’s transition from cinema to politics appears to echo the themes he explored on screen over the years corruption, governance, and social justice.
Here’s a look at seven films where Vijay played politically charged or socially driven roles that now resonate strongly with his real-life image.
Thuppakki (2012): Defender of national security
In Thuppakki, Vijay plays Jagadish Dhanapal, an intelligence officer who tracks down sleeper cells. While not directly political, the film focuses on national security and anti-terror operations, portraying him as a protector of the state.
Kaththi (2014): Voice of farmers
Kaththi saw Vijay in a dual role, most notably as Kathiresan, who leads a farmers’ movement against corporate exploitation. The film highlights agrarian distress, water rights, and the corporate-political nexus.
Mersal (2017): Critique of healthcare system
In Mersal, Vijay’s character Maaran exposes corruption in the medical sector. The film questions privatisation and government healthcare policies, striking a chord with audiences.
Sarkar (2018): From voter to political leader
Sarkar is perhaps his most overtly political film. Vijay plays Sundar Ramasamy, who challenges electoral fraud and eventually mobilises citizens against a corrupt system, evolving into a mass leader.
Bigil (2019): Empowerment and social change
In Bigil, Vijay portrays a football coach advocating for women’s empowerment. The film touches on gender equality and grassroots development, themes often linked to welfare politics.
Master (2021): Reforming institutions
Master features Vijay as a professor who reforms a juvenile detention system. The narrative highlights issues in education and juvenile justice, along with systemic corruption.
Beast (2022): Security and crisis response
In Beast, Vijay plays a former intelligence agent tackling a terrorist hijack. The film explores national security, crisis management, and institutional lapses.
Upcoming: Jana Nayagan continues the trend
Vijay’s upcoming film Jana Nayagan is expected to further reinforce his “people’s leader” image, with the actor playing an idealistic former police officer fighting corruption.
Cinema to politics: A seamless transition
Over the past decade, Vijay has consistently chosen roles that reflect public issues and governance challenges. These portrayals appear to have contributed to shaping his political identity among voters.
His electoral success in 2026 signals that his on-screen persona has translated effectively into real-world influence, particularly among youth and grassroots supporters.
Conclusion
Vijay’s journey highlights how cinema can influence political perception. His film roles, centred on justice and public welfare, now align closely with his responsibilities as a political leader, making his transition both symbolic and impactful.
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