Vijay, popularly known as Thalapathy Vijay, has officially taken oath as the new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after a dramatic political rise that surprised both the film industry and political circles. Once counted among the highest-paid actors in Indian cinema, Vijay has now stepped away from blockbuster films and entered full-time public service.

The actor-turned-politician, who reportedly charged up to ₹275 crore for a single movie, will now earn a government salary as Chief Minister — a massive contrast to his film earnings. His transition from cinema superstar to state leader has become one of the most talked-about developments in South Indian politics.

TVK Emerges as a Major Political Force

Vijay’s political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), delivered a strong performance in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The party reportedly secured 107 seats, emerging as one of the biggest political forces in the state.

Although the majority mark in the assembly stood at 118 seats, Vijay successfully gathered support from alliance partners including Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK, and IUML to form the government.

Political analysts have described the victory as a major turning point in Tamil Nadu politics, especially considering that Vijay entered active politics only recently.

Vijay Left Acting at the Peak of His Career

Vijay shocked millions of fans when he announced his retirement from films during the peak of his acting career. The decision surprised the entertainment industry because the actor continued delivering blockbuster films and remained one of the most bankable stars in Indian cinema.

While announcing his political journey earlier, Vijay had said that the immense love and support he received from the people of Tamil Nadu inspired him to dedicate his life to public service.

Unlike many political figures, Vijay did not come from a major political family background. Instead, he built his political identity through fan support, grassroots campaigns, and strong public outreach.

Political Journey Started in 2024

Vijay officially entered politics in 2024 after launching his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. Around the same time, he also confirmed his exit from cinema.

His political entry generated enormous attention across India because of his massive fan following and strong influence among younger audiences.

Over the next two years, TVK rapidly expanded its support base across Tamil Nadu through public rallies, welfare promises, and social campaigns.

One of India’s Highest-Paid Actors Before Politics

Before entering politics full-time, Vijay was among the highest-paid actors not just in South India but across the entire Indian film industry.

According to multiple media reports:

• Vijay reportedly charged nearly ₹275 crore for “Thalapathy 69”
• He allegedly earned around ₹200 crore each for films like Leo and The Greatest of All Time (GOAT)

His films consistently performed strongly at the box office, and his loyal fan base made him one of the most commercially successful stars in Indian cinema.

How Much Salary Will Vijay Receive as Chief Minister?

Now that Vijay has become Chief Minister, his earnings structure has completely changed.

Reports suggest that the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu receives a monthly salary of around ₹2.85 lakh, including official allowances and government benefits.

Compared to his film fees running into hundreds of crores, the salary may appear significantly smaller. However, the Chief Minister’s position also comes with several official facilities and responsibilities.

Facilities Provided to the Chief Minister

Apart from the monthly salary, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister is entitled to several government benefits, including:

• Official government residence
• Medical facilities
• State security cover
• Administrative staff support
• Official transport
• Executive and administrative powers

These benefits are part of the constitutional responsibilities attached to the office.

Vijay’s Political Transformation Is Drawing Nationwide Attention

Vijay’s shift from entertainment to governance has become one of the biggest celebrity-to-politics transitions in recent Indian history. His journey is being closely watched not only by film fans but also by political observers across the country.

Many supporters see his victory as proof of his grassroots popularity, while critics are waiting to see how the former superstar handles the challenges of governance and public administration.

Regardless of political opinions, Vijay’s transformation from one of India’s most expensive actors to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu marks a remarkable chapter in both Indian cinema and regional politics.