In a surprising turn of events, Tamil actor Vijay has officially announced his departure from the film industry, revealing his plans to step into full-time politics. This significant decision has sent shockwaves among his dedicated fan base and the cinema fraternity.
As one of the leading actors in Tamil cinema, Vijay's impact, especially with the recent success of the film 'Master' during the challenging times of the pandemic, has been noteworthy. The film not only provided a much-needed boost to theaters but also showcased Vijay's ability to draw audiences with his compelling performances.
To gauge the industry's response to Vijay's shift, we reached out to Tirupur Subramaniam, the President of the Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association. Subramaniam, acknowledging Vijay's multifaceted talent, praised the actor for his exceptional skills in acting, dance, and comedy, which have made him a favorite among cinema-goers.
However, Subramaniam also expressed concerns about the impact of the proliferation of OTT platforms and the resulting decline in theater attendance. Despite this, he emphasized that films featuring big stars like Vijay still manage to attract families to cinemas.
Reflecting on Vijay's significance for theater owners, Subramaniam cited the success of several of his films at the box office, including 'Kaadhalukku Mariyathai,' 'Thulladha Manamum Thullum,' 'Pokkiri,' and the recent release 'Leo.'
The president lamented the loss that Vijay's exit represents for the film industry, producers, and fans who have enjoyed his performances over the years.
Subramaniam suggested that Vijay's continued involvement in cinema would be beneficial for the industry, drawing parallels with the successful dual career of MGR, who actively participated in politics while continuing to act.
Expressing a viewpoint contrary to Vijay's decision, Subramaniam remarked that there is no necessity for the actor to quit cinema for politics. He cited the example of MGR, who not only formed a political party in 1972 but also went on to become the Chief Minister in 1977 while still delivering box office hits.
This copy was originally written by the journalist Vini Sharpana and appeared in the vikatan.com. Here is the English reversion.