Can Vijay emulate MGR in Tamil Nadu politics? K Hariharan responds

In an interview with India Today, film director and critic K Hariharan discusses actor Vijay's entry into politics and upcoming Tamil Nadu elections. Hariharan states that Vijay cannot immediately replicate the political success of former Chief Minister MGR. He emphasises the necessity of building a grassroots political organisation over time, noting, "Vijay wants first day, first show, super hit. That's not possible." Hariharan explains that MGR spent decades promoting his agenda through cinema and working within the DMK before launching his own party. He also points out that relying solely on fan followings is unsustainable, as "these actors cannot afford to maintain these fan clubs." Furthermore, Hariharan observes that while young voters desire change, they often confuse cinematic narratives with real-world governance. He concludes that a successful political career requires a dedicated team and long-term groundwork rather than expecting instant box office-style success.