Vijay, one of the biggest names in Tamil cinema, has announced his plunge into politics by launching the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) party and aiming to become the chief minister of Tamil Nadu.
However, he's not the first hero to venture into the state's political arena. Here's a look at some of those from the Tamil film industry who have jumped onto the political bandwagon and how they have fared over the years.
MGR was and is one of the most popular stars in the Tamil film industry. He launched his own party, AIADMK, in 1972 and was the chief minister of Tamil Nadu for three consecutive terms.
J Jayalalithaa followed in MGR's footsteps and joined his party, the AIADMK. She was never considered MGR's political heir, but the Iron Lady became a tall leader of the party and the state after MGR's demise.
Vijayakant, Captain Vijayakant, as he was known, was a popular Tamil star who had a massive fan following. He founded the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) in 2005, but his party never became the CM of Tamil Nadu.
Sarathkumar joined the DMK and contested on their behalf in Tirunelveli in 1998 but lost the election. He later launched his own party, the All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi (AISMK), but it didn't gain any significant traction in the state.
Kamal Haasan has always been vociferous about his political views, but he has never joined the DMK or AIADMK, criticising both for their flawed principles and actions. He launched his own party, the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), in 2018.
Khushbu Sundar's entry into politics didn't seem to be a planned one, but more a situation where she was forced to stand up against misogyny and patriarchy. She joined the DMK in 2010 and is currently in the BJP.
Sivaji Ganesan was a popular Tamil star, but he never attained the status MGR did. He joined the DMK when it was launched by Annadurai, but in 1962 he began supporting the Congress and was made an MP by Indira Gandhi.
Napoleon became a political figure thanks to his uncle, senior DMK leader, KN Nehru. He contested the 2001 state elections in Villivakkam and became a DMK MLA.
Seeman entered the Tamil film industry as a director in 1996, but his films didn't succeed at the box office. He later formed the Naam Kamilar Katchi (NTK) in 2009, but Seeman has been plagued by controversies.
Karunaas, like others from Tamil cinema, entered active politics when he contested for the AIADMK in the Thiruvadanai constituency in the 2016 State assembly election.
