Vijay, a prominent figure in Tamil cinema known as 'Thalapathy', faced significant challenges as he transitioned into politics. One of the most severe incidents was a stampede during a rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, on September 27, 2025, which resulted in 41 fatalities and around 100 injuries. This incident led to public outcry over his delayed response, as he returned to Chennai without issuing an immediate statement. In February 2025, Vijay's personal life came under scrutiny when his wife, Sangeeta Sornalingam, filed for divorce, accusing him of an extramarital affair. Speculations about his relationship with actress Trisha Krishnan further fueled media attention, particularly after they were seen together at a wedding. Additionally, the release of his film 'Jana Nayagan' was marred by delays and an online leak, complicating his political narrative. Ultimately, despite winning 108 out of 234 seats in the Tamil Nadu elections held on April 23, 2025, Vijay faced a political stand-off to secure a majority, which he achieved only after multiple meetings with the governor and forming alliances with other parties. He was sworn in as Chief Minister on May 10, 2025.