Captain Vijayakanth, an icon whose film career mirrored Rajinikanth's success and whose political journey echoed the triumph of M G Ramachandran (MGR), has passed away. His legacy, though, finds itself perpetually under the shadow of these towering personalities—a brilliant but fleeting meteor.
The intersection of film and politics in this region is anything but an easy transition, yet Vijayakanth stands as the sole actor, post-MGR, to have successfully translated cinematic stardom into a substantial political following. While J Jayalalithaa soared politically, she had MGR as a guiding force.
Others like Sivaji Ganesan in the past and Kamal Haasan in recent times found themselves falling short.
Vijayakanth's origins were humble. Born to his father's second wife and orphaned early in life, he emerged from the Telugu 'Naidu' community, standing apart in a state marked by intricate anti-caste politics and the dominance of influential OBC castes.
His cinematic journey, with over 150 films to his name, didn't just hinge on quantity but also on the nature of his roles. Frequently portraying police officers, his narratives often championed honesty, anti-corruption, and the importance of keeping promises—themes that resonated strongly among the marginalized, contributing significantly to his political backing.
Before launching the DMDK (Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam) foraying into politics, Vijayakanth followed an independent course in films, steering clear of aligning with any camp.
His personal life followed unconventional paths too. Opting to marry Premalatha, hailing from a non-cinema background, Vijayakanth consciously sought to avoid the controversy associated with celebrity weddings. Their union witnessed the presence of prominent political figures like the late DMK leader M Karunanidhi and Congress leader G K Mooppanar.
In Vijayakanth's ascent, Premalatha played a significant role, strategically steering his cinematic persona towards roles embedded with political messages, resonating profoundly with a broader audience, aligning with the emergence of younger stars in Tamil cinema.
The pinnacle of the DMDK's political journey was the 2011 Assembly elections, allied with the AIADMK, securing 29 of the 41 contested seats, maintaining a considerable vote share, and elevating Vijayakanth to the status of Leader of the Opposition.
Beyond politics, Vijayakanth engaged in philanthropy, contributing to causes like donating two-wheelers to disabled sympathizers and funds for Kerala's relief efforts.
However, the party's fortunes dwindled post-2011, failing to maintain its political vigour, and witnessed diminishing returns in subsequent elections. Vijayakanth's health concerns became apparent, with Premalatha increasingly taking the forefront, addressing audiences and managing the party's affairs.
Recent transitions within the party echo shades of Vijayakanth's political journey, yet he remains distinct from figures like MGR. As Premalatha steps into a leadership role, navigating the party's future amid the looming presence of the BJP, the shoes of Jayalalithaa might prove too substantial to fill.
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