From screen to state power: Malaysian fans of Vijay celebrate as actor-turned-politician sworn in as Tamil Nadu chief minister

GEORGE TOWN, May 10 — Malaysians, particularly the Tamil community and wider Tamil diaspora, have joined in celebrating the historic swearing-in of film star-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay as the new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, India.

Social media platforms across Malaysia were flooded with congratulatory messages with many hailing ‘Thalapathy’ Vijay’s journey from a celebrated film star to a political leader, while describing his rise as inspirational and a symbol of change in regional politics.

The Malaysian Indian community also expressed pride and excitement, with some calling Vijay’s achievement a ‘historic moment for Tamils worldwide’ and many also shared clips of the ceremony, celebrating what they see as a victory for youth-driven politics and new leadership.

Instagram user Thiagaseelan Ganeson said Vijay’s swearing-in today was very personal to him.

“A man who was mocked, doubted, underestimated, and questioned at every step... now walks toward the oath as Chief Minister,” he posted in Instagram today.

Facebook user M Megala shared an emotional tribute reflecting the sentiments of many long-time fans, saying Vijay had been a major influence in their lives from childhood and had become deeply tied to their memories and emotions

“For us Thalapathyans, this journey was never only about cinema. It was about loyalty, emotion, and standing firm with our Thalapathy through every high and low.

“From ruling the screen to inspiring millions beyond cinema.This is not an ending, but the beginning of a powerful new chapter in history,” she said.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Vijay Fans (MVF) club organised the MVF-TVK Celebration at TSR Cinemax, Shah Alam today in conjunction with Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony.

“From the very team that first introduced and brought Mersal Audio Launch and Sarkar Audio Launch Live Streaming to Malaysian fans, we continue the legacy of connecting Malaysia to historic milestones,” the fan club posted in Twitter.

Vijay was sworn in as Tamil Nadu state’s new chief minister earlier today after he was promised support by other parties to achieve the required legislative majority.

His Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party supporters celebrated by distributing sweets in various cities as the 51-year-old took his oath of office in front of the state governor at Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

The TVK won 108 seats in April’s assembly election, falling short of the 118 needed for a majority of its own in the 234-member chamber.

The Congress, a key ally of the former ruling party Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), extended support to Vijay along with Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) to end the uncertainty over the new government. — Bernama