Mohanlal on Vijay's superstardom: There is an unknowable magic
During the promotions of Drishyam 3, Mohanlal spoke about Vijay's charisma and the magic that helped him connect with audiences. His remarks came as Vijay assumed office as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu following Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam's sweeping 2026 poll win.
As actor-turned-politician Vijay begins a new chapter as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, actor Mohanlal has shared his thoughts on the Tamil star’s enduring superstardom and the deep connection he shares with audiences. Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), secured a sweeping victory in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, paving the way for him to take charge as the state’s new Chief Minister.
In a recent interview with Galatta Plus during promotions for Drishyam 3, Mohanlal was asked about Vijay’s immense popularity and what makes audiences feel so connected to him. Mohanlal, who earlier worked with Vijay in Jilla, said stardom is often something that goes beyond explanation.
“It’s basically the characters we play, not the personal stuff,” Mohanlal said, adding that audiences usually connect with the image and emotions actors create on screen rather than their real lives. Speaking about how cinema shapes public admiration, Mohanlal said that earlier generations became attached to stars through films alone. Drawing comparisons with MG Ramachandran and Rajinikanth, he explained that cinema carries a kind of influence that cannot always be explained logically.
“Take MGR, for example — people connected with him through his films and the characters he portrayed. We never really looked at the personal life; that is something different,” he said. Mohanlal further said cinema has its own magic. Referring to Rajinikanth, he noted that the scale of his stardom is massive and impossible to fully explain. He linked the same feeling to Vijay, calling it an “unknowable magic” behind why audiences remain deeply attached to certain stars.
Several film personalities, including Dhanush, Samantha, Mohanlal and Khushbu Sundar, had also congratulated Vijay after his election victory.
The interview took place during the promotional run of Drishyam 3. As the trailer of the film was unveiled, Mohanlal also teased the possibility of a fourth and fifth instalment in the franchise. Directed by Jeethu Joseph, Drishyam 3 also stars Meena, Ansiba Hassan, Murali Gopy, Siddique and Asha Sharath in key roles.
Presented by Dr Jayantilal Gada of Pen Studios and Panorama Studios, the film is gearing up for release on May 21.