New Delhi: Tamil Nadu has long witnessed a unique blend of cinema and politics, with several film personalities successfully transitioning from the silver screen to the corridors of power. With early trends in the 2026 Assembly elections showing actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in a commanding position, the state may soon welcome another film star as chief minister.
If the trends translate into a victory, Vijay will join a distinguished list of cinema icons who reshaped Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.
M Karunanidhi: The Writer Who Became a Political Giant
M. Karunanidhi, fondly known as Kalaignar, began his journey in cinema as a screenwriter and dialogue writer before emerging as one of Tamil Nadu’s most influential political leaders.
Though not primarily known as an actor, he made a brief on-screen appearance in the 1990 film Kavalukku Kettikaran. As a senior leader of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Karunanidhi served five terms as chief minister between 1969 and 2011.
MGR: The Superstar Who Built a Political Legacy
M. G. Ramachandran, popularly known as MGR, remains one of Tamil Nadu’s most iconic figures.
A superstar of Tamil cinema, MGR entered politics through the DMK before founding the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) in 1972. He served three consecutive terms as chief minister until his death in 1987.
His filmography includes classics such as Nadodi Mannan, Enga Veettu Pillai, Ayirathil Oruvan, and Rickshawkaran.
Janaki Ramachandran: Tamil Nadu’s First Woman Chief Minister
After MGR’s death, his wife V. N. Janaki Ramachandran briefly took charge as chief minister in 1988.
Though her tenure was short-lived, Janaki made history as Tamil Nadu’s first woman chief minister. Before politics, she had a career in films including Mohini and Raja Mukthi.
J Jayalalithaa: Actress Turned Mass Leader
J. Jayalalithaa is perhaps the most successful example of cinema-to-politics transition in modern Tamil Nadu.
After a prolific acting career featuring films like Aayirathil Oruvan, Adimaippenn, and Kavalkaran, she rose through the AIADMK ranks and became Tamil Nadu’s first popularly elected woman chief minister in 1991.
Jayalalithaa went on to serve six terms and was widely known for welfare initiatives such as Amma canteens.
NTR: Andhra’s Cinema Icon Who Changed Politics
Beyond Tamil Nadu, N. T. Rama Rao, popularly known as NTR, followed a similar path in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.
A legendary Telugu actor celebrated for portraying mythological figures like Lord Krishna and Rama, NTR founded the Telugu Desam Party in 1982 and soon became chief minister.
Vijay Could Be Next
Now, all eyes are on Vijay, popularly known as Thalapathy. After launching TVK in 2024, the actor’s rapid political rise has surprised observers and disrupted Tamil Nadu’s traditional two-party dominance.
If current trends hold, Vijay’s victory could mark a historic political shift and potentially challenge the long-standing influence of both DMK and AIADMK.