Vijay turns T Nagar into cinematic spectacle as 'Thalapathy' frenzy fuels TVK show
In Chennai's T Nagar, the TVK campaign blurred into cinema, with Vijay scripting a spectacle that played out like a blockbuster on the streets.
Entering the main roads of T Nagar in South Chennai on Wednesday evening felt like stepping into a superstar’s film release at a packed theatre. Whistles pierced the air as children blew them from the terraces, while chants of “Thalapathy” (leader) echoed across the streets, evoking the frenzy of a first-day, first-show celebration. That was precisely the atmosphere at Vijay’s rally in T Nagar, where the actor-politician’s close aide Bussy Anand is contesting.
The song lines, “Unga Vijay, Unga Vijay, Thani aal illai, Kadal naan; Unga Vijay, Unga Vijay, Eliyavan kural naan” (Your Vijay isn’t alone, he’s an ocean. Your Vijay isn’t alone, he’s the voice of the common man), blared from speakers as he made a cinematic entry atop his campaign vehicle. Four decorated horses were brought in to welcome him in typical hero style. It was, unmistakably, the Vijay show in Chennai.
Vijay held roadshows across three constituencies in Chennai – T Nagar, Thousand Lights, and Egmore. In 2021, T Nagar witnessed a tightly contested battle between the AIADMK and the DMK, with the latter winning by just 137 votes. A constituency with a diverse demographic profile, T Nagar has swung between the two Dravidian majors over the years. It is also one of Chennai’s premier commercial hubs, home to major textile and jewellery stores, and famed for the bustling Ranganathan Street, known for its vibrant, affordable shopping.
The TVK candidate Anand (N Anand) has been associated with Vijay since the party’s inception and is regarded as one of his most trusted lieutenants. He has played a key role on the ground, by organising events, travelling extensively, and mobilising crowds.
Facing him is Raja Anbazhagan, son of late former MLA J Anbazhagan, who died of Covid in 2020 and was the first legislator in India to succumb to the virus. Known for his loyalty to the DMK, Anbazhagan was honoured by Chief Minister MK Stalin, who named a newly built 2-km flyover in T Nagar after him. His son has now been fielded from the same constituency.
By the end of Vijay’s rally, it felt less like a political event and more like watching a full-fledged Vijay film unfold on the streets.