Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma summed up the seismic shift in Tamil Nadu politics with one post. Sharing an old image of a young Vijay standing behind Karunanidhi, RGV wrote: “Kalaignar wouldn’t have dreamed that the kid behind him would one day destroy his party.” Actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has won 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, emerging as the single largest party and reducing MK Stalin’s DMK to just 59 seats in a stunning debut performance.
Karunanidhi’s Record vs TVK’s Rise
Karunanidhi, popularly known as Kalaignar, remains Tamil Nadu’s longest-serving Chief Minister with nearly 6,863 days across five terms. His DMK dominated Dravidian politics for decades. On May 5, 2026, that legacy faced its biggest challenge as TVK, launched just two years ago, delivered a blockbuster debut with 34.9% vote share.
Who is Ram Gopal Varma?
Ram Gopal Varma, popularly known as RGV, is a renowned Indian filmmaker and one of the most influential directors in Telugu and Hindi cinema. He rose to fame in the 1990s with cult classics like Shiva (1989), Satya (1998), Company (2002), and Sarkar (2005). Known for his gritty realism, underworld dramas, and bold storytelling, RGV has directed over 50 films. He is equally famous for his outspoken and often controversial views on politics, cinema, and society, regularly shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Tight Timeline for Government Formation
The current Tamil Nadu Assembly tenure ends on May 10, 2026 — giving TVK only five days to secure support and form the government. As the single largest party with 108 seats, TVK is 10 short of the 118-seat majority. Backchannel talks with Congress, Left parties, and others are underway.
