The DMK and AIADMK have long used cinema and film stars as tools for political propaganda in Tamil Nadu. However, the two major parties have been less receptive to attempts by influential actors to carve out their own independent political paths. Their approach has primarily focused on maintaining the entrenched ‘duopoly’ in Dravidian politics, ensuring that no newcomer can easily disrupt their dominance.
Months after actor Vijayakant launched his Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) in 2005, the then Leader of Opposition, Jayalalithaa, had firmly declared that the AIADMK’s primary political enemy was the DMK. Yet, after Vijayakant’s impressive debut in the 2006 Assembly elections, she grew concerned. With Vijayakant styling himself as the ‘Black MGR’ and using the blue van gifted to him by MGR’s widow,
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