G. K. M. Tamilkumaran

G.K.M. Tamil Kumaran, 48, is a film producer-turned-politician who recently joined the Indian National Congress after a controversial exit from his family's traditional party, the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK). Son of prominent PMK leader G.K. Mani, who currently represents Pennagaram as an MLA, Tamil Kumaran has carved a successful career in the Tamil film industry, producing notable films like 'Endrendrum Punnagai' (2013) and currently serving as production head of Lyca Productions. His declared assets of Rs 84.59 crore with liabilities of Rs 68.69 crore reflect his substantial involvement in the film business. Tamil Kumaran's political journey has been marked by both ambition and setbacks. He first contested elections in 2010 as a PMK candidate from Pennagaram during a by-election, but lost decisively to DMK's P.N.P. Inbasekaran, securing only 41,285 votes (24.17%) against his opponent's 77,669 votes (45.48%). He briefly served as PMK's youth wing president before resigning due to opposition from Anbumani Ramadoss, highlighting internal party tensions. In March 2026, he formally joined the Congress after meeting with AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal in New Delhi, marking a dramatic break from his family's political alignment. His professional achievements in the film industry are more impressive than his electoral track record. In a recent landslide victory, he won the Tamil Film Producers Council presidential election with 788 votes, demonstrating his strong support base within the entertainment industry. His dual role as both a successful film producer and President of the Tamil Film Producers Council gives him significant influence in Tamil cinema circles, which he now hopes to convert into political capital. Voters in Pennagaram face an unusual situation: choosing between the father (G.K. Mani of PMK) who won the seat in 2021 with 50.46% votes, and the son who has switched to Congress. Tamil Kumaran's candidacy is being positioned as Congress's strategy to consolidate Vanniyar community support in northern Tamil Nadu. With zero criminal cases and substantial business credentials, he represents a new generation of politicians with strong industry connections, though his electoral inexperience and party-switching history may be concerns for some voters in the constituency of 246,293 registered electors.