Prakash Raj Attacks Thalapathy Vijay: Where Were You When Tamil Nadu Bled?

Veteran actor Prakash Raj has sparked a social media firestorm following a fiery campaign speech in Palani, where he appeared to take a direct aim at actor-turned-politician Thalapathy Vijay.

Campaigning for CPI(M) candidate N Pandi, Raj cautioned voters against the "cinema model" of politics, suggesting that stardom and onscreen roles do not equate to political substance or a history of social advocacy.

The 'Cinema Model' vs. Reality

Addressing a cheering crowd, Raj questioned the track record of "big actors" entering the political fray. His remarks on actors using fan loyalty for electoral gains are seen as a pointed reference to the recently launched Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

"In a film, you can be a doctor, an engineer, or a Chief Minister. But in reality, where were you when Tamil Nadu faced issues with its language, its people, or its self-respect?" Raj asked. He further argued that while fans may whistle for their idols in theatres, "giving away the country" to them is a different matter entirely.

The National Award-winning actor emphasised that the upcoming election transcends traditional party lines. "This isn't an election between AIADMK and DMK, or even for the TVK as Vijay says. This is a battle between unity and division," he stated.

Raj's comments are particularly notable given his long-standing professional relationship with Vijay, having shared the screen in several massive hits, most notably the blockbuster Ghilli, where Raj played the iconic antagonist opposite Vijay's hero.

He said, "Politics isn't the friendship, love, or talent that people see in you; you are simply using that. People stood in queues in the heat, put up cut-outs, bought tickets, and ignored their homes and work to show you love-and now you are using that for your political entry?"

He noted that NTK leader Seeman has been speaking for the people for ten years, contrasting it with the sudden entries of superstars.

He continued, "Look, if I like an actor, I can whistle until my throat goes hoarse. But I cannot give them the country. Politics is different; cinema is different. That love is different; this responsibility is different. One must get on the ground and speak. Even Seeman is better in this regard; he has been speaking about the people for ten years. It won't work like that for big actors."

He further said, "Do you want the Dravidian model? A model of slavery? Or a cinema model? I am asking the people: who should do politics? As far as I am concerned, we, the people, should do politics, and those who win should do the work. But in India, those who win are doing politics while we do the work. We must change that."

He urged the electorate to move away from a "slavery model" and instead vote for alliances that will protect Tamil Nadu from central impositions like NEET and Hindi.

He concludes, "I will say one last thing. This isn't an election between the AIADMK alliance and the DMK alliance, nor is it an election for the TVK, as Vijay says. This is an election between unity and division. Tamil Nadu has always stood as a model for India. Whether it is the imposition of Hindi or NEET, we must stand against it. To stand even stronger, you must decide which alliance to vote for. The situation has arisen where we, the people, must conduct politics. Is it unity or division?"