Dhanush has come to politics: Kanimozhi's cryptic attack on Vijay sparks buzz

One is a superstar actor; the other, a superstar Chief Minister. And now, the DMK has sought to pit Dhanush against Vijay as it seeks to build pressure on the four-month-old TVK government over its election promises. On Tuesday, DMK MP Kanimozhi invoked Dhanush's 2014 film Velaiilla Pattadhari to attack Vijay's "unfulfilled" poll promise of Rs 4,000 for unemployed graduates. In doing so, she cryptically reminded Vijay that Dhanush has "come to politics now".

Addressing a gathering in Dharapuram ahead of the October 6 bypoll, Kanimozhi asserted that the TVK failed to deliver on several of its poll promises.'DHANUSH HAS COME TO POLITICS'

"Many election promises were made by the TVK. Did all women receive Rs 2,500? Did families get 6 cylinders?" the DMK MP said. She sought to single out Vijay's poll promise made to velaiilla pattadharis, which means unemployed graduates (velaiilla - without a job and pattadhari - graduate).

"Did velaiilla pattadharis (unemployed graduates) get Rs 4,000? It didn't come. Only Dhanush has come to politics," Kanimozhi said.

The reference was to Dhanush's 2014 blockbuster of the same name. In Velaiilla Pattadhari, popularly known as VIP, Dhanush essays the role of Raghuvaran, an unemployed engineering graduate struggling to find a job.

Kanimozhi tactfully used the film's title to take a swipe at Vijay over TVK's promise of monthly financial aid to unemployed graduates.

However, Kanimozhi's attack went beyond that. By cryptically saying that "Dhanush has come to politics", she appeared to pit the actor into a political contest against Vijay - himself a former superstar who made the transition from cinema to politics.

By invoking Dhanush, Kanimozhi has only added further weight to rumours of the actor's possible entry into politics. DMK's Udhayanidhi Stalin, left, presents an award to actor Dhanush in Chennai (PTI) WHY KANIMOZHI INVOKED DHANUSH

Vijay and Dhanush are both big names in Tamil cinema. While Dhanush has not formally announced a political party or an electoral bid, speculation gained ground after his impassioned speech at a fan event in July.

The timing of the speech triggered buzz about his political ambitions, coming weeks after TVK's stunning election debut and Vijay becoming the chief minister of Tamil Nadu.

Addressing hundreds of his supporters in Tiruvallur, Dhanush urged his fan clubs to move beyond film celebrations and focus on welfare activities.

"So many people have gathered in one place. There is great power in this kind of unity. We need to give that unity a purpose. Beyond just audio launches, we need to engage in even more welfare activities," Dhanush said.

Dhanush's remarks drew parallels with Vijay's own journey from fan welfare activities to the launch of his political party, TVK, in 2024. Within two years, the TVK formed a government in its debut assembly election.

Even before Dhanush's speech, there were fast-paced developments that hinted at the Raanjhanaa star taking the political plunge.

In June, his fan organisation unveiled a flag featuring the actor's image with the slogan 'Ennampol Than Vaazhkai', which means "life is as your thoughts".

Days later, Dhanush's filmmaker father, Kasthuri Raja, told reporters that anyone could join politics when asked about Dhanush's future.

It is no secret that in Tamil Nadu, cinema has historically served as a launchpad for politicians. The list is long - MGR, Karunanidhi, Jayalalithaa, Vijayakanth, Kamal Haasan.

Thus, Dhanush's crafted public message was carefully scrutinised by political experts. Hours after his speech, social media was quickly flooded with 'welcome to politics' messages.

The speculation gathered steam after Dhanush was asked recently whether he planned to start a political party following two honours at the 72nd National Film Awards. The actor responded with a broad smile and laughed without giving a concrete answer.

Against the backdrop of these two events, Kanimozhi's remark has added fresh grist to the rumour mill. It has only given fresh currency to speculation that he could eventually follow Vijay into Tamil Nadu politics.- Ends