Reality Check: Did Pawan Advise Vijay to Join NDA?

Tamil Nadu is preparing for one of its most intense electoral battles as the state will be observing polling on April 23 followed by the counting on May 4. In the meanwhile, there have been several discussions happening about the possible alliance between Thalapathy Vijay’s TVK and the NDA. 

At one point, there were even speculations that Janasena president and crucial member of the NDA alliance, Pawan Kalyan advised Thalapathy to join the NDA and is positively influencing him. 

Asked to comment on this topic, Pawan had a very dismissive reaction. “We never met in recent times. The last time we met was some 25 years ago. I don’t know how these speculations about me influencing him started. For him to succeed, I think the best practice is to stick around and be with the public.” 

About the ongoing issue related to Jana Nayagan, Kalyan said it wasn’t smart on the part of the makers of this film to approach the court and later blame NDA government. He pointed out that his own film OG got A certification. 

It is evident that Kalyan had never advised Thalapathy Vijay to join the NDA and in fact they’re hadn’t even conversed in over 2 decades. So whatever speculation that happened on social media is just unfounded rumors. 

Another fundamental point that must be noted here is that Kalyan faced a tough election in 2019 and later, the alliance with NDA helped him big time in 2024. So Thalapathy might take general inspiration from this ahead of Tamil Nadu elections. Else, he might decide to fight alone and acknowledge whatever mandate the public gives.