In what is being viewed as the preliminary step to leading Tamil actor Vijay's political entry, members of the All India Thalapathy Vijay Makkal Iyakkam (AITVMI) will contest in the emerging Tamil Nadu urban civic body elections as independent candidates, Bussy Anand, General Secretary, said during an interaction with media persons. Vijay Makkal Iyakkam's members have also been given permission to use the actor's photos and the fan association's flag during their campaign. Addressing the press, Bussy Anand said, "Many fans had approached the fan’s association and conveyed their interest to contest in the urban local body elections. The candidates will contest independently based on the 2021 model. Those who are interested will file their nomination papers in the respective areas where they are contesting."

This latest decision by the All India Thalapathy Vijay Makkal Iyakkam comes at a time when various political parties in Tamil Nadu are gearing up to contest in the forthcoming urban local bodies election, which will be held on February 19, with the vote counting to be carried out on February 22. Last October, 129 members of the All India Thalapathy Vijay Makkal Iyakkam emerged victorious in the TN local body elections after contesting in 169 seats to become village panchayat ward heads. 

Fans contesting as independent candidates and representing the All India Thalapathy Vijay Makkal Iyakkam are being viewed as the first steps by Vijay in his entry into the political arena. A few of the actor's speeches in recent years during the audio launch events of his films have also indicated his political ambitions. As of now, it continues to be a waiting game for Vijay's official entry in politics as these developments are being viewed by experts and fans keenly. On the work front, the superstar has finished shooting for his Beast under Nelson Dilipkumar's direction produced by Sun Pictures and is announced for a grand theatrical release this April. He will also be joining the production of his upcoming Thalapathy 66 to be directed by Vamshi Paidipally under Dil Raju's Sri Venkateswara Creations banner.