Before Vijay's TVK, Whistle Symbol Had A History With His Jana Nayagan And Ghilli Costars

Actor-turned-politician Vijay’s political party,Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has been officially allotted the whistle as its election symbol by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for the 2026 Tamil Nadu

Assembly elections. The decision, announced on January 22, 2026, followed the party's submission of ten preferred free symbols, with the whistle listed as Thalapathy and the TVK's top choice. After the announcement, fans welcomed the news, with several even praising Venkat Prabhu and Yuvan Shankar Raja, for dropping hint about the symbol in Vijay's 2024 blockbuster The Greatest Of All Time. Notably, the whistle symbol is not new to actor-led political ventures in Tamil Nadu. Before Vijay, it had been allotted to political campaigns led by Vijay's Ghill Costar Prakash Raj and late actor-comedian Mayilsamy. Surprised? Read on to know more details.

Before Vijay’s TVK, The Whistle Symbol Was Linked to Two Tamil Actor-Led Parties

Before the whistle became the election symbol of Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), veteran Indian actor Prakash Raj had used the same symbol when he contested as an independent candidate in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Bengaluru Central. Prakash Raj, who has won acclaim across multiple film industries, has shared the screen with Vijay in several memorable Tamil blockbusters including Ghilli (2004), Sivakasi (2005), Pokkiri (2007), Villu (2009) and Varisu (2023) where his performances opposite Vijay as an antagonist drew praise from audiences. Interestingly, he will also be seen opposite Vijay in Jana Nayagan.

The late Tamil actor and comedian Mayilsamy, celebrated for his work in Tamil cinema, also received the whistle as his election symbol when he briefly got into politics. Mayilsamy, who had appeared in over 200 films, was beloved for his comedic timing and versatile supporting roles. He featured in notable Tamil films such as Dhool and Kangalal Kaidhu Sei, earning the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Comedian for the latter. He had also worked with Vijay in Ghilli and Sachein.

Meanwhile, Vijay is awaiting the release of Jana Nayagan, directed by H Vinoth, which is slated to be his final film before fully stepping into politics. Originally scheduled for a Pongal release on January 9, the film’s release remains uncertain following a Madras High Court hearing over legal and certification issues. The case has garnered significant attention, as the film marks Vijay’s cinematic farewell ahead of his political transition.