When Vijay took the route that Rajinikanth feared to tread

For decades, Tamil Nadu believed one political miracle would eventually happen — that actor Rajinikanth would step into politics and become Chief Minister. On Sunday (May 17), during a rare press interaction outside his Poes Garden residence in Chennai, he seemed to acknowledge, perhaps more than ever before, the weight of the opportunity that slipped away.

A reporter asked him whether he would have become Chief Minister had he contested the 2001 elections. Rajinikanth answered instantly: “100 per cent”. But when the next question came — whether he felt he had missed that chance — the actor paused, looked away, and moved to the next question in silence.

Also read: 'I won’t stoop so low’: Rajinikanth rejects mediating post-election alliance to block CM Vijay

That silence became the defining moment of the press conference.

Airport silence

Rajinikanth said he decided to address the media because criticism and speculation surrounding his recent remarks, and silences, were beginning to be accepted as truth.

The trigger was an interaction at Chennai airport five days earlier. Reporters had asked him about Vijay becoming Chief Minister. Rajinikanth smiled, folded his hands, and walked away without answering. The clip went viral, sparking speculation about political discomfort and rivalry.

Addressing those rumours, Rajinikanth clarified that his recent meeting with M K Stalin was purely personal. “Our friendship is beyond politics. I felt a little bad that Stalin lost. Some people said Rajinikanth went there to discuss how to prevent Vijay from becoming CM. In such a situation, I can only say that Rajinikanth is not such a cheap person,” he said.

Also read: Vijay faces fresh trouble as TVK leader Aadhav Arjuna’s comment infuriates Rajini fans

On allegations of jealousy, the actor responded with humour. “I’m not even in politics, so why would I be jealous of Vijay? Maybe if Kamal Haasan becomes CM, I might get jealous. There is a 25-year generation gap between Vijay and me. It won’t look good if we compete.”

Crow-eagle row

The roots of the Rajinikanth-Vijay political narrative date back to July 2023 during the audio launch of Rajinikanth’s film Jailer.

At the event, Rajinikanth said, “Among birds, a crow disturbs everyone. An eagle never disturbs everyone. Whenever a crow disturbs an eagle, the eagle doesn’t do anything — it just goes to the next stage.”

Though Vijay’s name was never mentioned, fans interpreted the speech as a reference to him. Social media erupted, with Vijay supporters accusing Rajinikanth fans of branding their star as Kaakas (crows).

Months later, at the Leo success meet in November 2023, Vijay responded carefully without escalating the issue. “Of all the stars Tamil cinema has given us, there’s only one Puratchi Thalaivar — M G Ramachandran, only one Nadigar Thilagam — Sivaji Ganesan, and only one Superstar — Rajinikanth. As far as I am concerned, you all are kings, and I am your Thalapathy — a soldier at your service.”

Many observers saw Vijay’s remarks as restrained yet pointed, especially when he stressed that actions mattered more than words, interpreted by critics as an indirect reference to Rajinikanth’s unfulfilled political promises.

Political exit

Rajinikanth officially announced his political entry on December 31, 2017, promising to contest the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections across all 234 constituencies. His fan network, political momentum, and state-wide popularity created expectations of a major political shift.

Also read: Jailer 2 leak after Jana Nayagan: Does Kollywood have security issues?

But in December 2020, he withdrew from politics, citing health concerns.

“With extreme sadness, I say that I cannot enter politics. I alone know the pain I went through while announcing this decision,” he said at the time. Referring to a hospitalisation linked to blood pressure fluctuations, he described it as “a warning given to me by God.”

In July 2021, he dissolved the ‘Rajini Makkal Mandram’ and stated that he had no plans to enter politics.

At Sunday’s press meet, however, Rajinikanth openly praised Vijay’s political achievement. “At the age of 52, he has achieved more than what MGR or NTR achieved. He has defeated powerful parties and the BJP on his own, coming from the film industry. I am not jealous — I have a mix of surprise and happiness,” he said.

The word “surprise” stood out.

Different answer

After MGR, Tamil Nadu spent decades searching for another film star who could successfully transition into power. For many, Rajinikanth appeared destined to become that figure.

He had the popularity, the mass appeal, and repeated opportunities to enter politics at moments when the state’s political vacuum was at its peak. Yet every time the moment arrived, he stepped away.

Also read: Vijay's first week as CM: Singapen, Tasmac, a DA hike, an astrologer in office

Vijay, meanwhile, took the route Rajinikanth hesitated to take. He launched a political party, confronted established forces including the DMK, the AIADMK, and the BJP, and emerged victorious.

In many ways, the political rise of Vijay has reopened the conversation about what Rajinikanth could have been in Tamil Nadu politics.

And perhaps that is why the most powerful moment of Sunday’s press conference was not Rajinikanth’s words — but his silence.