CM Designate Vijay's Colleagues Speak Exclusively to TimesNow.in On His Historic Win

Before Vijay begins his political innings, he has already had a long and impactful one in the Tamil film industry. To understand the man behind the moment, Times Now News spoke exclusively to two of his close collaborators: producer Dil Raju, one of Tollywood’s top names and Chairman of the Telangana Film Development Corporation (TFDC), and director Vamshi Paidipally, who helmed his 2023 film Varisu - about the man, the actor and the politician he is set to become.Producer Dil Raju is ecstatic about Thalapathy Vijay’s massive win in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Raju, who bankrolled Varisu (2023), describes the superstar as a humble human being. "He (Vijay) always thinks about people, and I find that very inspiring. Once I understood

his principles and behaviour, I went all the way to produce a Tamil film with him," he says. Raju reveals that he stays in touch with Vijay over the phone, though the actor-politician has been occupied with elections lately. He adds that one of Vijay’s most striking qualities is his grounded nature. "Despite his stardom, he stays rooted and never gets carried away. Working with him on Varisu was a memorable experience," he adds, sharing that he plans to attend Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony.Director Vamshi Paidipally describes Thalapathy Vijay as a man with immense clarity of thought who believes in the power of silence. Having directed him in Varisu (2023), Vamshi shares that the actor-turned-politician always wanted to give back to the people. "Vijay sir always used to say one thing: it’s the people’s love that has brought him where he is today, and he wants to give it back by serving them. He is a man of strong conviction and absorbs a lot. I believe a silent man is a powerful man," says Vamshi, adding that Vijay remains calm even in chaos.ALSO READ: 'This Moment Has Been Years in Making': Senior Journalist And Film Critic Latha Srinivasan on Vijay's Political Dreams That Only His Close Circle Knew AboutThe director further notes that Vijay’s ability to absorb, reflect, and work quietly is what sets him apart. "He is one of the biggest stars in the country, and he has stepped into politics at the peak of his career. To do that, you need contentment, conviction, and unwavering commitment. This win hasn’t come easy, but it feels incredibly inspiring when someone close to you achieves something so significant. His personality is different, he is a powerful soul."One thing that stands out across all our interactions with his co-stars and those who have worked with him is his humility the way he treats everyone with respect and approaches everything with deep commitment.Inputs by: Sasidhar Adivi