In Tamil Nadu where cinema and politics go hand- in-hand (and where K’town has had its share of chief ministers) election campaigns are truly incomplete without the involvement of movie stars to add an extra dose of glitz and glamour!
Now that the big day is finally upon us, DC takes a look at the various stars who campaigned for various parties in the most innovative and quirky ways possible.
Even as the Election Commission roped in some celebs like Suriya for their voting awareness videos, few star speakers like Kushboo, Vindhiya, Senthil and others resorted to the tried-and-tested traditional methods of campaigning. Others like Partheipan, Simbu and rapper Blaaze chipped in their bit, by composing songs spreading the message of voting responsibly. Some were even more progressive, putting their clout on social media to good use!
If the votes received by politicians are a reflection of their popular agenda, then film stars too, should wield considerable power as their popularity can sway the minds of voters — whether this holds true or not, we shall see.
Kushboo, the spokesperson for Congress, Vindhiya and Senthil, who support AIADMK, Vijayakumar, and Gangai Amaren from BJP all opted to the usual strategy of hitting out at their opponents — but this has its own share of pros and cons. One only needs to recall how top comedian Vadivelu was dumped by film producers after the party he supported failed to win in the last assembly elections!
Suriya’s dubsmash video wherein he enacts Rajinikanth’s popular Muthu dialogue followed by a message urging the voters to exercise their franchise was a huge hit. But the actor who is away on vacation, may not be here on the polling day! In a statement issued, Suriya has extended his apologies for the same. He said, “I have never missed franchising my vote so far. This time, I tried my level best to return to Chennai, but unfortunately, I could not make it. Having urged the people of TN to vote through my awareness videos, I feel bad for not being there. My sincere apologies!”
Trying to come out of his ‘Beep Song’ controversy, Simbu released a ‘Vote Song’ urging people to vote today. The song, which starts off with the lines Vote Podu Mama, has been crooned and composed by STR himself. Targeted at the youth and first time voters, the Election Commission also brought out a song as well — Vote Podu in collaboration with rapper Blaaze.
Parthiepan who does everything in his inimitable style requested people to vote, at least for NOTA. The director-actor’s message is clear — “I oppose all free things that are given to the people to garner votes. We have rights to get free amenities but not in this way. It is government’s duty to provide all people with free hospitality and free quality education.” When NOTA (none of the above) becomes popular, the political parties will definitely consider doing something useful for people.
With the advent of technology, poll campaigning also has advanced this time with social media, Whatsapp, and YouTube playing a major role in propelling various parties’ ideas. While it was Stalin’s son-in-law who was behind the highly creative DMK campaign, Dr Azhagu Tamil Selvi, daughter of late actor and politician Isari Velan came up with some unique ideas for the AIADMK candidates with gadgets like LEDs and iPads explaining Amma’s welfare schemes. The DMDK’s IT wing led by Sudheesh, were also predominantly active on Whatsapp media outreach schemes.
It is safe to say that these elections, as always, have a staggering dash of star power added to them!
