Thalapathy Vijay Hosts Iftar in Chennai, Signals Inclusive Politics

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay hosted a grand Iftar event at the YMCA grounds in Royapettah, Chennai, marking his first major outreach to the Muslim community since launching his political party in February 2024. Clad in a white shirt, dhoti, and a skullcap, the Tamil cinema superstar-turned-politician joined nearly 3,000 attendees, including imams from 15 local mosques, in prayers and broke the Ramzan fast alongside them. The event, devoid of party symbols as per Vijay’s directive, emphasized brotherhood and humanism over political fanfare.

Vijay, who fasted for the day, thanked the Muslim community for accepting his invitation, reinforcing TVK’s commitment to secularism and social justice—values he championed at the party’s debut conference in Vikravandi last October. Emerging from his campaign van’s sunroof post-event, he waved to ecstatic fans lining roadsides and a flyover, blending his cinematic charisma with political appeal.

The Iftar has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters laud it as a genuine gesture aligning with TVK’s left-leaning, Dravidian-inspired ideology, positioning Vijay as a unifying figure ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Critics, however, see it as a calculated move to woo Muslim voters, potentially challenging the DMK’s dominance, with some X users speculating about broader political alignments—claims yet unsubstantiated.

With tight security and meticulous planning, the event underscores Vijay’s transition from reel to realpolitik. As TVK gears up for future battles, including a January protest against the Parandur airport project, Vijay’s Iftar signals his intent to build a broad, inclusive coalition in Tamil Nadu’s competitive political landscape.