Vijay, affectionately known as Thalapathy, is one of the biggest stars in Tamil cinema, having made a remarkable transition into politics with his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. He began his acting career at 18 with the film Naalaiya Theerpu, which was a commercial failure. However, with the support of his father, filmmaker SA Chandrasekhar, Vijay persevered and eventually gained fame through blockbuster hits like Ghilli, which was the first Tamil film to gross over ₹500 million at the domestic box office. Over the years, he has built a massive fan base across Tamil Nadu, earning the title of Commander. His films often feature strong political themes, reflecting his own aspirations. In February 2024, he announced his retirement from acting to fully dedicate himself to politics, aiming to contest the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections in April 2026.