Banger start: Director Shankar congratulates Vijay on becoming Tamil Nadu CM

Director Shankar congratulated actor-politician Vijay in a post on X after he took office as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on May 10. In his message, Shankar said Vijay had proved that anything is possible when ambition and action come together, while referring to the belief that such achievements are possible only in cinema.

Shankar, 62, wrote on X, "You have shattered all the sayings that all this is possible only in cinema and you have proved that anything is possible when ambition and action come together (sic)."

He also addressed Vijay as the "Honourable Chief Minister" and said, "The people's wish has come true, and you're off with a banger start. Onwards and upwards brother." He also conveyed his best wishes.

Vijay, 51, took oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on Sunday after his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), emerged as the single largest party in the state by securing 108 seats. With the support of the Congress, Left parties, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the Muslim League, TVK formed what was described as Tamil Nadu's first coalition government as his party was a few votes short of majority (118 seats).

In his first major administrative decision after taking oath, Joseph Vijay on Tuesday ordered the closure of 717 state-run liquor retail outlets operating near places of worship, educational institutions and bus stands across the state.

Shankar's congratulatory post came days after Vijay assumed office as Chief Minister and began his tenure with his first major policy move.