Tamil Nadu's Film Star Politicians and Violent Fan Culture Explored in ArtReview Asia

In Tamil Nadu, the film sector serves as a gateway to political influence, with five former chief ministers hailing from acting backgrounds. Notable actors like Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Vijay, and Vishal are aspiring for the chief ministerial role. Kamal Haasan, an atheist revered by many, hosts Bigg Boss Tamil, where contestants have been seen bowing to him. He has faced backlash for his poetry. Following a video critique of Ajith Kumar's Vivegam, the author received violent threats, including death threats, and chose to avoid police due to past corruption issues. Jayalalithaa, another actor-turned-politician, held office for six terms until her passing in 2016, with 30 million cutouts portraying her as a divine figure. Writers in the state struggle financially, often selling merely 200 copies in a population of 80 million. This article was published in the Winter 2017 edition of ArtReview Asia.