Veteran Tamil superstar Rajinikanth on Sunday broke silence on the dramatic political rise of actor-turned-politician Vijay. He said he was ‘extremely shocked’ after learning that Vijay had taken the helm of the state as the Chief Minister (CM).
Addressing media-persons outside his Poes Garden residence in TN capital Chennai, Rajinikanth clarified his position amid growing political speculation and criticism surrounding his recent interactions with senior political leaders after the Assembly Polls 2026 results.
Rajinikanth (Left) and Actor-Tamil Nadu CM Vijay (Right)
“Allegations, social media narratives were distorting facts”: Rajinikanth
Rajinikanth said he felt compelled to speak publicly as repeated allegations, coupled with social media narratives had been distorting facts. He said, “I am holding this press meet because many criticisms are being directed at me in connection with the election. If I do not respond, they will become accepted as the truth.”
Rajini says he is friends with MK Stalin
Rajinikanth (Left) and MK Stalin (Right)
The actor then defended his recent courtesy meeting with TN’s former CM MK Stalin, insisting that their relationship transcends political affiliations. He added that he was saddened by Stalin’s defeat in the Kulathur constituency and said his post-election meeting had been politicised unnecessarily. He asserted, “After the election results, I met MK Stalin and that became a subject of criticism.
Our friendship is beyond politics.” Furthermore, he dismissed accusations suggesting he was involved in any political conspiracy against the newly elected government, terming the claims 'cheap '.
He reiterated that he had stepped away from active politics long ago and had no intention of re-entering the political arena.
Rajinikanth praises Vijay for independent success in politics
Elaborating on Vijay’s political ascent, Rajinikanth heaped praise on him. He acknowledged the scale of his achievement in disrupting the state’s traditional political landscape. Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), stunned observers by emerging as the single-largest force in the TN Assembly Elections 2026, shattering the decades-long dominance of the DMK and the AIADMK.
He remarked, “There is a 25 to 28-year age difference between me and Vijay. Vijay has independently earned recognition by standing against the two major parties.” He went on to say that Vijay’s rise to the state’s top political office came as a surprise even to him, stating, “I was extremely shocked when I heard that Vijay had become the CM.”
While concluding his statements, he said that at the age of 52, Vijay has achieved more than what MGR or NTR achieved. He said, “I am not jealous, but I have a mix of surprise and happiness.”