Prakash Raj on Pawan Kalyan and Vijay in politics: Because of their popularity, they entered politics

By Admin

06 May, 2025

Acclaimed actor and political commentator Prakash Raj has stirred conversations yet again with his recent remarks on fellow actors Pawan Kalyan and Vijay stepping into the political arena. Known for his candid and often controversial takes, Raj has questioned the political intent and understanding of national issues demonstrated by the two stars-turned-politicians.

Speaking in an interview on the YouTube channel Prashna, Prakash Raj voiced concerns about the motivations behind their political ambitions. He emphasized that popularity alone does not qualify one to govern a country or address complex public issues. "They’re actors, and because of their popularity, they entered politics," Raj remarked, highlighting the trend of leveraging celebrity status for political gain.

Raj, who has shared screen space with both Pawan Kalyan and Vijay on multiple occasions, pointed out that neither has showcased a clear political vision or genuine grasp of pressing national challenges. "In the ten years since he (Pawan) launched his party, I haven't seen him have a vision, or an understanding of the issues people have. I don't see it in Vijay either," he stated.

Pawan Kalyan, who became the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh in 2024, is seen by Raj as benefiting from the legacy of his brother, the legendary actor Chiranjeevi. Meanwhile, Vijay’s initial prominence stemmed from his father, veteran director SA Chandrasekhar. "Pawan came to politics a decade ago, Vijay is new to it. In the years I've known them, we have never spoken seriously about politics," Raj added.

Raj didn’t hold back in expressing his skepticism about Pawan Kalyan's ideological consistency. He cited previous incidents where he had criticized Kalyan’s fluctuating political stances, especially his controversial comments on Sanatana Dharma. “He is jobless…after coming to power, he left all this behind, put on makeup, and spoke about Sanatana Dharma,” Raj stated, referencing a report from Gulte.

Regarding Vijay, who is preparing to contest in the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections with his newly formed party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, Raj raised doubts about the depth of his political insight. "I hear dialogues when Vijay speaks, but will there be a deeper understanding in how to fight?" he questioned, hinting at a performative rather than substantive approach to leadership.

Despite his sharp critique, Prakash Raj maintains professional ties with both actors and will appear in their upcoming films—Jana Nayagan with Vijay and They Call Him OG with Pawan Kalyan. He continues to work actively in Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu cinema.

Raj’s observations serve as a cautionary note about the intersection of celebrity culture and political leadership. His message is clear: Charisma may attract crowds, but only competence and commitment can create real change.