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Thalapathy fever takes over South India: Who is this Kerala couple on a 650-km journey to Chennai to meet newly sworn-in Tamil Nadu CM Vijay?
ET Online | May 12, 2026 12:57 AM CST

Synopsis

A couple from Kerala has gone viral after beginning a 650-km walk from Malappuram to Chennai in the hope of meeting newly sworn-in Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, popularly known as Thalapathy Vijay. Mohammed Rafi and his wife C.P. Ummu Shahanamol started their journey shortly before Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony and have been documenting the trek on social media.

Kerala Couple Walks 650 Km To Meet Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Thalapathy Vijay In Chennai
The immense popularity of C. Joseph Vijay, widely known as Thalapathy Vijay, continues to inspire extraordinary acts of admiration among his supporters. A couple from Kerala has now captured widespread attention online after beginning a 650-kilometre journey on foot to meet the newly sworn-in Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in Chennai.

The couple, Mohammed Rafi and his wife C.P. Ummu Shahanamol, hail from Tanur in Kerala’s Malappuram district. Their unusual journey has gone viral on social media, with many users praising their dedication and admiration for the actor-turned-politician.


Kerala Couple Begins 650-Km Walk To Chennai

According to the couple, they began their trek on May 7, just days before Vijay officially took oath as Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister on May 10.

Mohammed Rafi, who works as a professional driver, and his wife also run a vlog where they regularly document their travels and daily life experiences. Through Instagram videos and vlog updates, the couple has been sharing glimpses of their long journey, showing themselves walking along highways carrying backpacks, tents and basic supplies.

They reportedly plan to enter Tamil Nadu through Palakkad before continuing their journey towards Chennai. The pair spends nights wherever they can find safe shelter, either camping outdoors or resting briefly before resuming their walk early the next morning.


Why The Couple Wanted To Meet Vijay

The couple explained in one of their videos that they have admired Vijay for years because of the characters he portrayed in films. However, his entry into politics and subsequent electoral victory motivated them to finally attempt to meet him in person.

“We have always admired the characters Vijay portrayed in films. We had long wished to see him in person,” the couple said in their vlog.

“When Vijay launched his political party, won the elections and began preparing to become the chief minister, our desire to meet him became even stronger. That is when we decided to walk all the way to Chennai,” they added.

Despite not having any confirmed appointment or official arrangement to meet the Chief Minister, the couple remains optimistic that they will eventually get an opportunity once they reach Chennai.

Vijay’s Political Rise Continues To Draw Massive Public Attention

Vijay’s transition from cinema superstar to politician has generated enormous interest across South India. His political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, popularly known as TVK, secured a major victory in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

The actor was sworn in as Chief Minister during a grand ceremony held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The event was attended by political leaders, film celebrities and thousands of supporters.

TVK reportedly won 108 Assembly seats and crossed the majority mark with the support of alliance partners, marking a major political milestone for Vijay and his party.

Social Media Reacts To The Couple’s Journey

The couple’s determination and long-distance walk have sparked conversations online, especially among Vijay fans. Many social media users called the journey a reflection of the deep emotional connection fans often share with film stars in South India.

Several users also praised the couple’s commitment and simplicity, noting how they chose to undertake the physically demanding journey despite not knowing whether they would actually get to meet the Chief Minister.

Their videos continue to attract attention online as they slowly make their way towards Chennai, with supporters following each update closely.


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