It's Vijay Sarkar! Politics, pop culture and peak Thalapathy energy

From filmi flair and fashion symbolism to fan frenzy and internet discourse, Vijay’s swearingin blurred the lines between politics, pop culture and celebrity spectacle. Whether it was his punchy oath-taking, Trisha’s much-discussed presence or the viral “CEO of Tamil Nadu” blazer moment, the ceremony unfolded less like a bureaucratic event and more like a perfectly staged climax of a mass entertainer.A filmi oath-taking Even Vijay’s oath-taking carried the unmistakable energy of a movie moment. Far removed from the measured monotony usually associated with official ceremonies, his delivery was punchy, emotional and performed with the conviction of a climactic speech from the hero in a political entertainer.Predictably, reactions were divided. Supporters called it refreshing, arguing that the passion in his voice reflected sincerity and genuine intent. There were, however, those who cheekily remarked that Vijay should realise that he was now not on a film set.In another departure from convention, the actor-turned-politician also delivered his maiden address as Chief Minister from the very stage where he had just taken oath.A perfect Mother’s Day gift Vijay’s swearing-in coincided with Mother’s Day, prompting many fans to describe it as the ultimate “Mother’s Day gift” to his mother, Shoba. Speaking to the media on her way to the ceremony, an emotional and cheerful Shoba said, “I’m very happy that today is also Mother’s Day,” she said.Interestingly, social media had already attached another sentimental label to Vijay’s victory. Since the election results were declared on May 4 — which also happened to be Trisha’s birthday — fans and even a few celebrities had cheekily dubbed it a “birthday gift” to his rumoured girlfriend.Trisha’s appearance sets social media abuzz It was Trisha, who emerged as the biggest talking point of the day. The actress, rumoured to be in a relationship with Vijay, arrived at the ceremony and was seated in the front row alongside Vijay’s parents. Her presence immediately fuelled online chatter, particularly as Vijay’s wife Sankgeetha and children, Jason Sanjay and Divya Saasha, were absent from the event.FILM INDUSTRY PRESENCE: NOT THE BIGGEST NAMES, BUT THE CLOSEST ONESWhile the absence of major industry figures such as Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan was noticeable, several members of Vijay’s close industry circle were present at the ceremony. Among those spotted were actors Jai, Kathir, Mansoor Ali Khan, Sanjiv and Sriman, celebrity couple Krish and Sangitha, lyricist Vivek, as well as producers associated with some of Vijay’s biggest recent films — Venkat K Narayana ( Jana Nayagan ), Archana Kalpathi ( Bigil ) and Lalit Kumar ( Leo ).(With inputs from Roopa Radhakrishnan and Aashna Reddy)Celebitries congratulate CM Vijay!May the state of Tamil Nadu shine under the leadership of the president of the Tamil Nadu Victory League, the Honorable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, my brother Thiru. Vijay Kamal HaasanHeartiest congratulations to my dear friend, the people’s leader and true Jana Nayagan, Thiru Vijay avargalSimranHeartfelt congratulations to @TVKVijayHQ Chief Thiru @ actorvijay AVL, on taking oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and to all those who took oath as Ministers.Pawan KalyanHuge congrats to @actorvijay Anna on this generational win ! This is truly historic ! Clinching it in cinematic style.Dulquer SalmaanThe DIY momentOn stage, when a table had to be moved for the group photograph, Vijay decided to chip in by giving a hand at lifting the tale, causing quite panic among the officials around, who were surprised to see the CM get into the thick of things. Fans couldn’t have been prouder! Even as they gently ribbed him, saying that he should remember that he’s the CM now, many took this as a sign of how his style of governance would be — hands-on and humble.Let’s take a selfie, pulla!Another informal moment came when minutes after taking oath as Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, Vijay pulled out his phone on stage and filmed a quick selfie video with the roaring crowd behind him. The spontaneous move drew loud cheers from supporters gathered at the venue.From beige to blazer: Vijay’s power (dressing) move While Vijay had the beige-andwhite palette as his signature look since his political entry, he switched gears for the oath-taking, appearing in a sharp black blazer. After months of rolled-up sleeves and rugged khakis, the blazer marked a clear shift — the campaign was over, governance had begun. Fans read the outfit as political symbolism. Many called the blazer the visual embodiment of Vijay’s promise of “change” — a move away from Tamil Nadu’s white-on-white political uniform into something contemporary. Supporters dubbed it the “CEO of Tamil Nadu” look, while others pointed to the “code switch”: beige to connect with the masses, black to project authority.The ‘Mudhalvan’ entryVijay stepped out in a crisp white shirt and black trousers before adding the blazer for the ceremony itself, and social media quickly drew parallels to Mudhalvan and the dressing style of the film’s protagonist. Interestingly, Vijay was originally considered for the role before Arjun eventually played it.