Tamil cinema superstar and budding politician Thalapathy Vijay emerged from a grueling six-hour interrogation at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) headquarters here on Monday, flashing his trademark smile and waving enthusiastically to a throng of cheering fans who had gathered outside despite the biting winter chill.
The 51-year-old actor, who recently launched his political outfit Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), was summoned as a witness in the ongoing probe into a deadly stampede at a party rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, last September. The incident, which left several people injured amid a chaotic crowd surge, has cast a shadow over Vijay’s foray into politics, prompting questions about event management and safety protocols.
Footage of Vijay’s exit from the CBI building, shared by his official fan team on X (formerly Twitter), quickly went viral, racking up over 5,000 views and hundreds of likes within hours. In the 11-second clip, the star is seen stepping out of a black SUV, clad in a crisp white shirt and dark trousers, as supporters chanted his name and waved banners. “Thalapathy! Thalapathy!” echoed through the crowd, a testament to his enduring popularity that bridges the silver screen and the political arena.
This was Vijay’s second appearance before the CBI in connection with the case. Investigators are focusing on alleged organizational lapses during the September 2025 rally, including delays that reportedly exacerbated the crowd’s restlessness. Sources close to the probe say the agency is examining whether poor planning contributed to the stampede, which occurred as thousands flocked to hear Vijay outline his vision for Tamil Nadu’s future.
Vijay, whose real name is Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, has maintained that he cooperated fully with the authorities. In a brief statement released by his team after the questioning, he emphasized his commitment to transparency: “I have answered all queries to the best of my knowledge. My priority remains the well-being of my fans and the people of Tamil Nadu.
The Karur incident unfolded during TVK’s inaugural major public event, drawing an estimated crowd of over 50,000. Eyewitnesses described scenes of pandemonium as barriers gave way under the pressure of surging attendees eager to catch a glimpse of their idol. While no fatalities were reported, dozens required medical attention, sparking public outcry and calls for accountability.
Political observers see this as a critical test for Vijay’s nascent career in public life. The actor, known for blockbuster hits like Master and Leo, announced his political ambitions last year, positioning TVK as a fresh alternative to Tamil Nadu’s established Dravidian parties. “Vijay’s star power is undeniable, but incidents like this highlight the challenges of translating fandom into political capital,” said Chennai-based analyst R. Senthil Kumar. “How he navigates this scrutiny will define his trajectory.”
The CBI took over the investigation at the behest of the Madras High Court, which criticized local authorities for initial mishandling. Vijay’s fan base, one of the most loyal in Indian cinema, has rallied around him online, with hashtags like #WeStandWithVijay trending across social media platforms.
As the probe continues, Vijay is expected to return to Chennai, where preparations for TVK’s next moves are underway. For now, the sight of him waving to fans amid the controversy serves as a reminder of his unbreakable bond with his supporters – a force that could propel him far in the rough-and-tumble world of Indian politics.
