India
oi-Swastika Sruti
Veteran actor Rajinikanth has spoken openly about the rapid political rise of Vijay and dismissed rumours suggesting rivalry, jealousy or behind-the-scenes political involvement against the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader.
Veteran actor Rajinikanth praised Vijay’s significant political rise with TVK, dismissing jealousy and rumors of uniting DMK and AIADMK against him. He cited a generation gap, expressed confidence in his own past political potential, and asked for two years’ time for Vijay’s party.
In a candid interaction, Rajinikanth praised Vijay’s success in politics and said the younger actor had achieved something remarkable at a very young age. He also denied allegations that he played any role in attempts to unite the DMK and AIADMK to stop Vijay’s political growth.
The superstar’s comments have now triggered major discussion across Tamil Nadu’s political and cinema circles.
‘Why Would I Be Jealous Of Vijay?’
Rajinikanth strongly rejected claims that he was jealous of Vijay’s growing political popularity.
“I’m not even in politics, so why would I get jealous of Vijay?” Rajinikanth said while responding to questions about comparisons between the two stars.
Superstar #Rajinikanth :
I’m not even in politics, so why would I get jealous of Vijay..? Maybe if Kamal becomes CM, I might get jealous..😄 There’s a generation gap between Vijay and me.. It won’t look good for either of us if we compete with each other.pic.twitter.com/aLgTpX2vdy
— Laxmi Kanth (@iammoviebuff007) May 17, 2026
In a lighter moment, he joked that perhaps he would feel jealous “if Kamal becomes Chief Minister,” drawing laughter and attention online.
The actor made it clear that he sees Vijay’s success positively rather than as competition.
“I’m actually happy for him,” Rajinikanth added.
Rajinikanth Says Vijay Has Achieved Huge Success
Praising Vijay’s political journey, Rajinikanth said the actor’s popularity among youngsters and his strong fan base played a major role in his political rise.
“The change was incoming. His huge popularity in the film industry and the support of youngsters helped him achieve this huge success,” Rajinikanth said.
He further stated that Vijay’s achievements at a younger age were politically significant and impressive.
According to Rajinikanth, what Vijay achieved politically “at this younger age is bigger than what MGR and NTR achieved” because he succeeded despite facing powerful political forces.
The comments immediately became a major talking point among fans and political observers in Tamil Nadu.
‘There Is A Generation Gap Between Vijay And Me’
Rajinikanth also addressed frequent comparisons between himself and Vijay.
The actor said there is a clear generation gap of nearly 25 years between them and that comparing the two would not be appropriate.
“There is a generation gap between Vijay and me. It won’t look good for either of us if we compete with each other,” he said.
Rajinikanth explained that both belong to different eras and therefore should not be projected as direct political or cinematic rivals.
The statement is being viewed as an attempt to calm fan rivalries and speculation surrounding the political future of Tamil cinema icons.
Rajinikanth Denies Role In DMK-AIADMK Alliance Rumours
The superstar also firmly denied rumours that he had worked behind the scenes to help bring together the DMK and AIADMK in order to keep Vijay away from power.
“I’ve not involved in merging DMK and ADMK. I’m not a classless guy to involve in such activities,” Rajinikanth said sharply.
The actor clarified that his meeting with M. K. Stalin was purely personal and based on friendship.
He said he met Stalin as a friend and admitted he felt disappointed seeing him lose politically.
Rajinikanth’s clarification comes amid growing speculation in Tamil Nadu political circles about possible alliances and shifting equations following Vijay’s rise.
‘I Would Have Definitely Won If I Entered Politics’
During the interaction, Rajinikanth also made a striking statement about his own political potential.
The actor said that if he had fully entered politics, he believes he would have definitely succeeded.
“I would’ve definitely won in politics if I entered the political arena,” Rajinikanth stated confidently.
Although Rajinikanth had previously announced political ambitions, he later stepped away citing health concerns, disappointing many fans who hoped to see him launch a major political movement.
Even today, his political influence and public popularity continue to remain strong in Tamil Nadu.
Rajinikanth Asks People To Give Vijay Time
Rajinikanth also appealed to the public and Vijay’s supporters to give the TVK leader enough time to establish himself politically.
“People should give two years’ time for Vijay,” he said.
He also urged Vijay’s fans and party cadres to behave responsibly, warning that their actions would directly affect Vijay’s political image and future.
The statement is being interpreted as experienced advice from one of Tamil Nadu’s biggest public figures to a younger political leader navigating rapid popularity.
Cinema And Politics Continue To Intersect In Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu has a long history of film stars entering politics and transforming into mass political leaders.
Icons such as M. G. Ramachandran and N. T. Rama Rao successfully converted cinema popularity into political power.
Now, Vijay’s political rise is once again reshaping conversations around celebrity influence, youth mobilisation and the future of Tamil Nadu politics.
Rajinikanth’s latest remarks have added further excitement to those discussions, especially because they come at a time when Vijay’s political journey is attracting massive attention across the state.
For now, Rajinikanth has made one thing clear – he does not see Vijay as a rival, but as a younger leader who deserves time, support and recognition for what he has already achieved politically.
