Vijay's first Kerala visit as Tamil Nadu CM cancelled due to heavy rain in Thrissur
Synopsis
Thousands of fans waited for hours in Thrissur on Friday for Tamil Nadu CM Vijay's first-ever Kerala visit since assuming office — only to be disappointed when heavy rain grounded his helicopter and forced the trip's cancellation. Vijay has promised to revisit, but no new date has been set.
Key Takeaways
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C.
Joseph Vijay cancelled his first Kerala visit since taking office on 16 October 2025 .
Heavy rain disrupted his helicopter journey from Coimbatore to Thrissur , forcing the cancellation.
The visit was to attend a Navaratri event at the residence of T.S.
Kalyanaraman , chairman of the Kalyan Group .
Thousands of supporters had gathered since morning at the venue and were left disappointed.
Vijay has reportedly promised to make the visit on a later date ; no fresh date has been announced.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay was forced to cancel his much-anticipated first visit to Kerala on Friday, 16 October 2025, after heavy rain disrupted his travel plans, leaving thousands of supporters who had gathered in Thrissur since the morning without a glimpse of the actor-turned-politician. The cancellation marked a significant disappointment for fans who had assembled well before the scheduled arrival time at the residence of T.S. Kalyanaraman, chairman of the Kalyan Group.
Why the Visit Was Cancelled
Chief Minister Vijay had been scheduled to travel from Coimbatore to Thrissur by helicopter to attend a special Navaratri event at Kalyanaraman's residence. However, heavy rainfall rendered the helicopter journey unsafe, forcing the cancellation of the trip. According to officials of the Kalyan Group, Vijay subsequently returned to Chennai on a special aircraft.
What the Visit Would Have Meant
The Thrissur trip would have been Vijay's first visit to Kerala since he assumed office as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister — a milestone that had generated considerable public interest. His remarkable journey from being one of Tamil cinema's biggest stars to the head of the Tamil Nadu government has made every public appearance a major event, attracting supporters who follow his political rise with the same fervour they once reserved for his film releases. Notably, the event was set in a private setting, underscoring how even informal appearances by Vijay now draw large crowds.
Supporters Left Waiting
Thousands of Vijay's supporters had gathered in and around the Kalyan Group chairman's residence from the early hours of Friday, hoping for a sighting of the Chief Minister. The hours-long wait ended in disappointment when the cancellation was confirmed by Kalyan Group officials. This is the kind of turnout that has become characteristic of Vijay's public engagements since his elevation to the Chief Minister's post — a reflection of the enthusiasm that his political rise has generated, particularly among younger voters.
Promise of a Return Visit
Despite the cancellation, supporters were offered some consolation. According to officials, Chief Minister Vijay has promised to visit Kalyanaraman's residence in Thrissur on a later date, keeping alive the prospect of his first Kerala appearance as Chief Minister. However, no fresh date has been announced as of Friday evening, and it remains unclear when the rescheduled visit will take place.
Point of View
But it underscores something larger: Vijay's transition from film star to Chief Minister has not dimmed public enthusiasm for his appearances — if anything, it has amplified it. The fact that thousands gathered in Thrissur for what was essentially a private function at a businessman's home speaks to the extraordinary personalisation of his political brand. For the Kalyan Group, the association with a sitting Chief Minister also carries commercial and social capital. The story to watch is how Vijay navigates Kerala — a state with its own distinct political dynamics — once the rescheduled visit eventually takes place.
NationPress
16 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Tamil Nadu CM Vijay cancel his Thrissur visit?
Chief Minister Vijay cancelled his visit to Thrissur on 16 October 2025 because heavy rain made his planned helicopter journey from Coimbatore unsafe. He subsequently returned to Chennai on a special aircraft.
What was the purpose of Vijay's Kerala visit?
He was scheduled to attend a special Navaratri event at the Thrissur residence of T.S. Kalyanaraman, chairman of the Kalyan Group. The event had provided an occasion for what would have been his first visit to Kerala since becoming Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.
Will Vijay reschedule his Kerala visit?
According to Kalyan Group officials, Chief Minister Vijay has promised to visit Kalyanaraman's residence in Thrissur on a later date. However, no specific date has been announced as of Friday evening.
Why did Vijay's Kerala visit attract so much attention?
The visit would have marked Vijay's first trip to Kerala since assuming office as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister — a milestone for his supporters in the state. His rise from a hugely popular film star to the head of the Tamil Nadu government has made his public appearances major events.
Who confirmed the cancellation of Vijay's visit?
Officials of the Kalyan Group confirmed the cancellation of Chief Minister Vijay's visit to Thrissur on Friday.
