In Tamil Nadu, comparing the prospects of cinema actors entering politics with the successful political life of M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) has become an established benchmark.

MGR did not enter politics only after reaching the peak of his cinematic fame. His political life and cinematic rise progressed almost in parallel. However, actor Vijay, who launched the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) two years ago and is now contesting the assembly elections, entered politics only after reaching the zenith of his film career.

During the current high-decibel election campaigns, rival parties are liberally using MGR’s name to launch attacks against Vijay. Their argument is that Vijay is not another MGR and that the two cannot be compared at all. This stems from their fear that the people might vote for him, believing he is like MGR.

It is a reality that even 40 years after MGR’s passing, politics cannot be conducted in Tamil Nadu without mentioning his name. Beyond the fact that he was the uncrowned king of Tamil cinema and enjoyed tremendous public influence, there are three major reasons why parties unfailingly invoke his name in electoral politics.

He was regarded as a philanthropist who gave generously to the people. During his tenure as the Chief Minister of the state, he implemented various welfare schemes and strove to improve the living standards of the poor. He created a broad political platform in opposition to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).

Vijay, who labels the DMK as his political enemy, finds himself compelled to mention MGR’s name and his welfare schemes during his election campaigns for these very reasons. He is not alone; even the DMK President and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin frequently recalls his closeness with MGR, even referring to him as “Periappa” (Uncle).

Recently, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on the ‘X’ social media platform that at a luncheon hosted by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during his visit to Malaysia, one of the songs played was MGR’s “Naalai Namadhe”(Tomorrow is ours).  Modi noted that Ibrahim, like many in India, is a huge fan of MGR.

The question remains – would Modi have made such a post if the BJP were not contesting the assembly elections in alliance with the AIADMK, the party founded by MGR?

Compared to other actors who have entered Tamil Nadu politics in recent decades, Vijay’s election rallies prove that he commands significant public support. However, it remains to be seen to what extent Vijay can attract AIADMK votes by invoking MGR’s name, or if he can build a strong, long-term support base.

Whatever the case, it remains a great enigma that even politicians opposed to his party cannot help but invoke the legacy of MGR, a cinematic icon and political leader of a bygone era, to win the votes of the people.