Thalapathy Vijay Leaves Cinema for Politics: Are His Promises Reaching the People of Tamil Nadu?

Source:Prime Minister’sOffice(GODL-INDIA)

Thalapathy Vijay was one of the biggest stars of Tamil cinema. He earned a huge amount from films and had a successful career in the entertainment industry. But Vijay chose to leave the film industry and enter politics, saying that he wanted to work for the people.

After the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election, Vijay became the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. His political journey has attracted a lot of attention because people are now watching whether the promises made before the election are actually being implemented.

From Superstar to Chief Minister

For years, Vijay was known as a Tamil superstar. His films attracted millions of people, and he was among the highly paid actors in the Tamil film industry.

However, instead of continuing his film career, Vijay entered politics through the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). His political message focused on governance, public welfare, education, healthcare, employment and basic facilities.

Now, as Chief Minister, the bigger question is not about his popularity as a film star. The real question is whether his government can deliver the promises made to the people.

200 Units of Free Electricity

One of Vijay’s major election promises was free electricity. On his first day in office, his government announced 200 units of free electricity for domestic consumers, with the benefit applying to households consuming up to 500 units over a two-month billing cycle.

This was one of the first major promises linked to his election campaign to be put into action.

For an ordinary family, electricity is not a luxury. It is part of everyday life. Therefore, any reduction in the electricity burden can directly affect household expenses.

Action Against Liquor Shops Near Schools and Places of Worship

Another major decision was related to TASMAC liquor shops.

The Vijay government ordered the closure of 717 state-run TASMAC outlets, particularly shops located within 500 metres of educational institutions, places of worship and major bus stands.

The government said the decision was aimed at reducing the social problems associated with alcohol being sold close to places used by students and the public.

At the same time, liquor revenue is also an important source of government income. Therefore, such a decision involves both public-welfare and government-revenue considerations.

Gold Ring for Newborn Babies

The Vijay government has also announced the Thaimaman Gold Ring Scheme under which every child born in a government hospital is to receive a one-gram gold ring.

The scheme was scheduled for launch on September 28, 2026, after a review of its implementation by the Chief Minister. The stated objective is also to strengthen people’s confidence in government healthcare services.

The idea raises an important question: can welfare schemes like this encourage more people to use government hospitals?

Only long-term implementation and public response will show its actual impact.

What About Buses and Students?

Vijay’s governing programme also includes free travel on government-operated buses for women and several education-related welfare measures. His manifesto includes support for students and families, including education grants and other schemes.

However, claims about every village receiving a new bus service or every student receiving completely free travel should be checked against specific government orders and local implementation before being presented as a statewide fact.

People Are Watching the Government Closely

One interesting part of politics today is that ordinary people can directly raise local problems through videos and social media.

In many places, people record problems related to roads, electricity, transport, schools and other public services and demand action from the administration.

If a problem is solved after a public complaint, people naturally notice it. But whether every such solution happened because of a particular video should be verified case by case.

This is also why people are increasingly asking governments a simple question:

If a promise was made before an election, when will people actually see it on the ground?

Can Vijay Continue This Approach?

Vijay has now moved from being a film superstar to being the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. His popularity may have helped him enter politics, but running a state is different from acting in films.

Electricity, education, healthcare, transport, employment, law and order and public services require continuous administration.

Some of Vijay’s major promises have already been converted into government decisions, including 200 units of free electricity and the closure order for 717 TASMAC outlets near sensitive locations.

The newborn gold-ring scheme is another example of a welfare promise moving toward implementation.

But the real test will be how consistently these policies work across Tamil Nadu and whether ordinary people actually experience the promised benefits.

For the people, the important thing is not whether a Chief Minister was once a superstar. The important thing is whether government decisions improve everyday life.

Vijay has made promises. Some have already moved into implementation. Now, the people of Tamil Nadu will continue to watch what happens on the ground.