DMK's Annadurai 'Endorses' Vijay In AI Video, DMK Says 'Cheap Tactic'
Campaigning for next year's Tamil Nadu election took a theatrical twist this week after actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam released an AI-generated video of former Chief Minister CN Annadurai, the founder of the now-ruling DMK.
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In a dramatic turn for Tamil Nadu's upcoming election, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, led by actor-politician Vijay, released an AI-generated video featuring former Chief Minister CN Annadurai seemingly endorsing Vijay while criticizing the DMK party he founded. The DMK promptly denounced this as a "deepfake video" and "cheap tactic."
DMK spokesperson A Saravanan stated, "Using AI for social good is acceptable, but misusing it for political advantage is something voters will see through." He also denied allegations of an "understanding" with the BJP, which Vijay has repeatedly claimed exists.
The controversial video depicted 'Annadurai' predicting that the same youth who supported him to victory in 1967 would ensure Vijay's success in 2026. "Just like me, an ordinary man who rose to be Chief Minister, you too have come up through hard work. You understand the working class's needs, which is why I call on you to lead," the AI-generated figure proclaimed.
The fabricated Annadurai also praised Vijay for recognizing social reformer Periyar as his "policy leader" while criticizing the current DMK leadership: "Those who continued the rule with my name worked for their sons' upliftment rather than people's development."
In the two-and-a-half minute video, 'AI-Annadurai' addressed the sensitive Hindi imposition issue, saying, "I opposed Hindi imposition... the people trusted me... now if people are treated like a flock for votes, how will there be trust?"
The video also attacked the DMK over nepotism and liquor sales - significant since the real Annadurai opposed alcohol consumption and implemented prohibition when he became Chief Minister in 1967. Though prohibition policies fluctuated over subsequent decades, with both DMK and AIADMK alternating between enforcement and relaxation, the attack echoes BJP's criticisms of DMK on this matter.
Notably, the TVK's AI video avoided criticizing the AIADMK, fueling speculation that Vijay, recognizing the need for support from a major Dravidian party, is keeping options open. However, AIADMK has recently renewed its alliance with BJP following an earlier split over criticism of iconic leaders like Annadurai and MGR.
Vijay has frequently invoked the legacies of Annadurai and MGR, suggesting that 2026 would mirror the transformative elections of 1967 and 1977 which reshaped Tamil Nadu's political landscape. The former ended Congress dominance while MGR's 1977 victory kept the DMK out of power for over a decade.