Overview
- Campaigning for CPI(M) nominee N. Pandi in Palani, Prakash Raj cast the election as a choice between a Dravidian model, a slave model, and what he called a cinema model.
- He warned against turning fandom into political power and said politics and cinema demand different responsibilities, adding, “I can whistle for you, I can’t give you the country.”
- His comments were widely read as a critique of Vijay, who is contesting his first election through his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, which he launched in 2024.
- Raj questioned where star candidates stood during key issues in Tamil Nadu and urged voters to look for sustained public engagement and accountability.
- Despite the critique, Raj and Vijay have long worked together, and their new film Jana Nayagan drew attention after a certification delay and a recent online leak that led to arrests.