As the 2026 elections approach in Tamil Nadu, actor-politicians are ramping up their anti-corruption rhetoric. C. Joseph Vijay, founder of the Tamil Nadu Vanniyar Katchi (TVK), is echoing the historical themes of his predecessors, M.G. Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa, who also campaigned against corruption. Ramachandran's founding of the AIADMK in 1972 was marked by demands for transparency from the DMK, while Jayalalithaa's tenure was marred by corruption allegations, including her own prosecution for disproportionate wealth. Vijayakant, founder of the DMDK, has similarly criticized both major Dravidian parties for their corruption. Currently, Vijay is positioning his party as a viable alternative to the ruling DMK, framing the upcoming election as a battle against corruption. He has publicly criticized the DMK and other parties, asserting that the TVK represents the interests of the people against corrupt forces. This ongoing narrative highlights the persistent theme of anti-corruption in Tamil Nadu politics, as these actor-politicians seek to connect with voters disillusioned by past governance.