Indian film star C. Joseph Vijay was sworn in as chief minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday after his party brokered a coalition in the southern state, one of India’s most significant industrial and manufacturing hubs.

The ceremony followed days of political uncertainty in the state capital Chennai.

Who is Vijay and how did he become Tamil Nadu chief minister?

Vijay, 51, is a veteran Tamil film actor who launched his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party in 2024. His party won 108 seats in Tamil Nadu’s 234-member assembly, falling short of a majority.

With backing from the Congress party and others, TVK reached 120 seats, enough for Vijay to claim the chief minister’s post.

What happened at the Tamil Nadu swearing-in ceremony?

Thousands of supporters packed Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday, chanting “Mudhalvar,” meaning “chief minister” in Tamil, as Vijay took his oath of office.

He told the crowd he was “not from a royal political background, just a common man.” His first policy announcements focused on easing electricity prices and improving women’s safety.

Vijay said his administration’s priorities would include education, healthcare, drinking water, ration supplies and public transport.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him, pledging that the central government would work with his administration to “improve the lives of people.”

How did Vijay build his political appeal in Tamil Nadu?

Born to a Christian father and a Hindu mother, Vijay began his career as a child actor in 1984 in a film directed by his father. His blockbuster hits blended action, social messaging and populist themes, earning him the fan-given title “Thalapathy,” meaning “leader” in Tamil.

Over the years he took on screen roles touching on farmers’ rights, electoral manipulation and social justice.

His TVK party was founded with a promise to end corruption and break the decades-long dominance of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, which had ruled Tamil Nadu since the late 1960s.

Analysts said his large fan base, combined with voter appetite for new political leadership, drove his strong election result.

What challenges does Vijay face as a political novice?

Vijay now faces the task of converting popularity into policy in a state that serves as India’s top smartphone manufacturing hub, including for Apple iPhones, and produces automobiles and electronics.

His campaign rallies drew massive crowds but were also marred by a stampede in September that killed at least 40 people. The incident did little to dent his support.

“When you have a cult, you don’t question at all,” political commentator Sumanth Raman told AFP after the election results were published.