TN Assembly Elections: Stars Vote — Vijay Sethupathi, Rajinikanth, Ajith & More
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Chennai, April 23: Dozens of Tamil film industry celebrities stepped out to exercise their franchise on Thursday, April 23, as Tamil Nadu voted for its 234-member Legislative Assembly — one of the most fiercely contested state elections in recent memory. From superstar Rajinikanth to actor-politician Vijay, the who's who of Kollywood made their democratic voices heard across polling booths in Chennai and beyond.
Stars Lead by Example at the Polling Booth
Popular actor Vijay Sethupathi cast his vote at the Chennai High School in Kilpauk Garden, proudly flashing his inked finger to waiting media personnel. His participation drew significant attention given his massive fan following and growing political interest among Tamil youth.
Actress Trisha Krishnan voted at St Francis Xavier Middle School, while comedian-actor Santhanam cast his ballot at Marya Nivas School in Pozhichalur. Actors Nikki Galrani and Aadhi voted together at Ethiraj College, and actor Siddharth exercised his franchise in Alwarpet, Chennai.
Keerthi Suresh voted at Chennai Middle School, Neelankarai, while actress Aishwarya Rajesh cast her vote at C D Nayagam Higher Secondary School in T Nagar. Ace director Shankar and his daughter, actress Aditi Shankar, voted together at V G P Philominal Matriculation School.
Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, and Vijay Cast Their Votes
Tamil Superstar Rajinikanth and his younger daughter, filmmaker Soundarya Rajinikanth, voted at the prestigious Stella Maris College for Women in Chennai. Actor-politician Kamal Haasan arrived accompanied by his daughter, actress Shruti Haasan, to vote at the Government School in Teynampet.
Actor and politician Vijay, who recently launched his political party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, voted early at Neelankarai. His parents — veteran Tamil film directors S A Chandrasekhar and Shoba Chandrasekhar — cast their votes at the Government School in Kamaraj Avenue, Adyar.
Director H Vinoth, who helmed Vijay's recent blockbuster 'Jana Nayagan', voted at the polling station in Anaicut. Director Pa Ranjith voted at his native place in Karalapakkam, while director Atlee cast his ballot at Srinivasa Gandhi Nilayam.
Ajith Returns from Belgium to Vote; Dhanush and Anirudh Also Participate
Action star Ajith Kumar made a dramatic return from Belgium, where he had been racing with his team Ajith Kumar Racing, specifically to vote in Thiruvanmiyur — and was among the earliest voters at his booth. His commitment to civic duty was widely praised on social media.
Music composer Anirudh Ravichander and pan-Indian actor Dhanush both voted at St Francis Xavier Middle School in Alwarpet around 9 AM. Actor Vikram exercised his franchise at The Besant Theosophical Higher Secondary School, while Gautham Karthik, son of actor-politician Karthik, voted at Stella Maris College.
Scale and Significance of the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections
Polling was conducted across Tamil Nadu on Thursday, April 23, for all 234 assembly constituencies, with a total of 4,023 candidates in the fray. The election is widely seen as a pivotal contest, with multiple parties vying for power in one of India's most politically active and culturally influential states.
The participation of celebrities sends a broader social signal — encouraging millions of fans and first-time voters to turn out. Historically, Tamil Nadu has recorded above-average voter turnout compared to many other Indian states, and celebrity participation has been credited with mobilising younger demographics.
The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, when the political fate of Tamil Nadu — and potentially the trajectory of several film personalities-turned-politicians — will be determined.