Tamil superstar and soon-to-be politician Thalapathy Vijay made headlines on Friday, March 7, 2025, by hosting an iftar party during the sacred month of Ramadan at the YMCA grounds in Royapettah, Chennai. Seizing this occasion, Vijay participated actively, donning a skull cap and joining fellow attendees for prayers before breaking their fast together.
The images and videos from the event, where he was seen sitting solemnly alongside the community, have garnered significant attention on social media platforms, quickly going viral. Local attendees reported seeing him dressed in white, displaying deference as he engaged with prayer alongside several clergy members.
Vijay’s iftar celebration attracted thousands of locals, who were invited to join him for this grand feast—a moment observed with many fans capturing their moments with the beloved actor. Reports also suggest Vijay may have observed fasting throughout the day prior to this communal meal, reflecting his commitment to the Ramadan spirit.
Touted as one of the leading figures of Tamil cinema, Vijay expressed his sincere intentions of transitioning from film to politics. "I have thrown away both the money and the pinnacle of my profession," he disclosed to his supporters at the inaugural event of his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), reiteratin his focus on serving the community as he prepares for the 2026 Assembly elections.
This public display of solidarity during Ramadan stands as part of Vijay's strategy to connect warmly with the community he aspires to serve through his new political career. His party, TVK, launched officially on February 2, 2024, aims to tackle issues of corruption and divisiveness, positioning itself as a formidable player against existing parties.
The iftar gathering is marked not just by Vijay's star power but also as part of his calculated move to build loyalty among his prospective voter base. Amidst praise from numerous supporters, sentiments on social media were mixed. Some critics raised concerns over political appeasement, questioning whether such gestures are genuine or merely strategies to win over votes.
One netizen remarked, "Did he go to the Kumbh? For these criminals, it's not about respecting all religions or being secular. Appeasement is the only thing at stake. Disgraceful," illustrating the polarized responses to his actions.
Despite criticism, Vijay's star continues to shine. His last film, "GOAT", was released successfully last year, and he is now gearing up for his concluding film, "Jana Nayagan." Both works are expected to highlight his cinematic legacy, making his political pivot even more significant for fans and opponents alike.
The establishment of TVK follows years of speculation about Vijay’s foray onto the political stage, and he recently unveiled the party’s flag and symbol back on August 22, 2024. Early indications of the party's potential emerged when Vijay's fan club, All India Thalapathy Vijay Makkal Iyakkam (AITVMI), achieved remarkable success during Tamil Nadu’s local body elections—winning 115 out of the 169 contested seats.
These electoral victories denote mounting political credibility for Vijay as he embarks on this new chapter. His ability to galvanize support during recent voting cycles is being watched carefully by political analysts, especially against the backdrop of other parties like Kamal Haasan's Makkal Needhi Maiam, which have struggled to replicate similar success.
Vijay's choice to engage with his community through traditions like iftar—celebrated by observing Muslims worldwide—reflects his effort to shape his political narrative grounded firmly within cultural contexts. This move aims not only to empower his outreach but also to establish him as relatable within the fabric of Tamil society heading toward the 2026 Assembly elections.
Conclusively, Thalapathy Vijay's iftar party stands as more than just a personal religious observance; it is emblematic of his strategy to cultivate a strong connection with the electorate as he prepares to leave the film industry and fully embrace his role as a politician. The coming months will be pivotal as he aims to solidify his place on both the political scene and within the hearts of his fans.