In a strategic move, the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has deployed actor Kamal Haasan to campaign for its candidate Senthil Balaji in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. During a rally, Haasan emphasized the importance of the constituency, calling it 'our constituency,' and criticized the central government for denying a metro rail project to Coimbatore, questioning why it was deemed less deserving than cities like Patna and Agra. The DMK is keen to transform Coimbatore, traditionally an AIADMK stronghold, into a bastion for their party, especially following Balaji's recent controversies involving allegations from the Enforcement Directorate.

Haasan's campaign efforts began in Chennai, where he supports Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, who is vying for a second term. The DMK's strategy comes as actor Vijay, a formidable challenger with a massive fan base, has also entered the political arena, contesting from Perambur and Trichy East. Vijay's popularity, particularly among younger voters, poses a significant threat to the DMK's electoral dominance. His campaign relies heavily on innovative methods like holograms and social media, contrasting with traditional campaigning.

The political landscape in Tamil Nadu is shifting, with Haasan's alignment with the DMK seen as a necessary step to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The stakes are high as both parties vie for influence in a state where cinema and politics are deeply intertwined.