Overview
- Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu visited Chennai and met Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, then posted photos and a long note on social media on Wednesday expressing happiness about the meeting.
- In her post she wrote that Vijay was "never meant to be just a hero on screen," praised the courage it takes to leave a successful film career for public service, and said she expects him to surprise people because of the intent with which he approaches the role.
- The visit took place while Samantha was in town promoting her new film Maa Inti Bangaram, which is due in theatres on June 19, linking her promotional schedule with a high-profile show of support.
- Vijay’s transition to chief minister followed his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s success in the 2026 assembly election and his swearing-in on May 10, a shift that media and sources place in the longer pattern of Indian actors entering politics.
- Reporters note the meeting draws on Samantha and Vijay’s on-screen history in Kaththi, Theri and Mersal and highlights the ongoing overlap between their film projects and political roles, with Vijay’s pending film Jana Nayagan still awaiting clearance.