FIRST DAY FIRST SHOW
THE WEEK India|November 10, 2024
Vijay's political party launch was a huge success, but its long-term prospects depend on winning over rural voters
LAKSHMI SUBRAMANIAN
FIRST DAY FIRST SHOW

The 370km distance from Kodaikanal in south Tamil Nadu to Vikravandi in the northern part of the state did not appear daunting for 23-year-old Dinesh and his wife, Malarkodi. Dinesh, a driver, and Malarkodi, house keeping staff at a local hotel, rode their motorcycle for over eight hours from their hometown to attend superstar Vijay’s political party launch rally at Vikravandi in Villupuram district on October 27. “We believe Vijay can bring in a change and uplift people like us,” said Dinesh.

The couple finally got to listen to Vijay’s speech and also saw him waving from the dais. “This is enough for us. We will vote for him in the next election,” said Malarkodi.

C. Joseph Vijay, called Thalapathy (commander) by his followers, formally launched his party on October 27 with three lakh people in attendance.

Vijay, 49, is one of the highest-paid actors in Indian cinema. His latest film GOAT is said to have collected more than 0300 crore from Tamil Nadu alone. Launched by his producer-director father S.A. Chandrasekhar in the late 1990s, Vijay earned praise for his style, mannerisms and dialogue delivery. Chandrasekhar was a staunch follower of the Dravidian ideology and his movies often featured heroes fighting the establishment and deeply entrenched social ills. It was Chandrasekhar who initially pushed Vijay to develop a larger-than-life image.

Vijay made it to the people’s hearts with his brand of films, hard work and philanthropy. The generational transition happening in Dravidian politics is helping him as well. “Everything I achieved was only because of the people.... I have come to you, giving up my career at its peak, trusting you.

Bu hikaye THE WEEK India dergisinin November 10, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye THE WEEK India dergisinin November 10, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

THE WEEK INDIA DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Too Much Sitting Can Accelerate Ageing
THE WEEK India

Too Much Sitting Can Accelerate Ageing

SITTING FOR EXTENDED PERIODS can harm the heart and accelerate ageing, even if you are young and get the minimum recommended amount of daily exercise, according to a US study published in the journal PLOS One.

time-read
1 min  |
December 01, 2024
Efficiency and innovation
THE WEEK India

Efficiency and innovation

As health care evolves, professionals must employ innovative methods to refine their skills

time-read
2 dak  |
December 01, 2024
Level up
THE WEEK India

Level up

Only 30 per cent of needy patients are able to undergo transplant in India; we need more dedicated transplant centres

time-read
2 dak  |
December 01, 2024
HOPE STEMS FROM A CELL
THE WEEK India

HOPE STEMS FROM A CELL

While stem cell therapies have shown success in treating blood disorders, orthopaedic ailments, autoimmune diseases and eye issues, there is hope that they can one day treat patients with heart disease, blindness, Parkinson's, HIV, diabetes and spinal cord injuries

time-read
10+ dak  |
December 01, 2024
Mind matters
THE WEEK India

Mind matters

Your mindset can limit or expand your physical ability

time-read
3 dak  |
December 01, 2024
Cutting edge
THE WEEK India

Cutting edge

Would you go under the knife if a robot was the one holding it? Or would you say, \"No way, I need a human touch\"? You might have to decide soon because a robot that can imitate skilled human surgeons is already here.

time-read
1 min  |
December 01, 2024
The smallest cut
THE WEEK India

The smallest cut

Minimally invasive surgeries have a bright future, with virtual reality and 3D procedures offering greater precision and AI on the horizon

time-read
4 dak  |
December 01, 2024
Signalling a revolution
THE WEEK India

Signalling a revolution

Canadian scientist and entrepreneur Sachdev Sidhu is focused on bringing cutting-edge antibody engineering to his country of origin

time-read
7 dak  |
December 01, 2024
Wellness on demand
THE WEEK India

Wellness on demand

Starting as a doctor-patient chat platform, Medibuddy has evolved to be India's largest on-demand, full-stack digital health care platform

time-read
4 dak  |
December 01, 2024
HEARING AND VISION LOSS LINKED TO HEART DISEASE AND STROKE
THE WEEK India

HEARING AND VISION LOSS LINKED TO HEART DISEASE AND STROKE

A CHINESE STUDY PUBLISHED IN THE JOURNAL of the American Heart Association suggests that middle aged and older adults with sensory impairments, specifically hearing and vision loss, have an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke and heart attacks.

time-read
1 min  |
December 01, 2024