Srinath

Srinath, 52, is a Tamil actor-turned-politician making his electoral debut with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) from Thoothukudi constituency in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Born and raised in Thoothukudi, he built a career in Tamil cinema with notable roles in films like 'Ullam Ketkumae' (2005), 'Unnale Unnale' (2007), and 'Santosh Subramaniam' (2008). He also directed films including 'Muthirai' (2009) and 'Vallavanukku Pullum Aayudham' (2014). His close friendship with actor Vijay, dating back to their college days, proved pivotal in his political entry when Vijay founded TVK in February 2024. Srinath declared assets worth Rs. 3.35 crore (movable: Rs. 1.58 crore, immovable: Rs. 1.78 crore) with liabilities of Rs. 56.43 lakh. Despite being a 12th pass, he leveraged his film industry experience and local roots to campaign in Thoothukudi. His candidacy, however, was not without controversy—his nomination sparked internal party dissent from supporters of rival contender Ajitha Agnal, highlighting factional tensions within the newly formed TVK. He faces formidable opponents in DMK's P. Geetha Jeevan, a three-term MLA and sitting minister, and AIADMK's S. T. Chellapandian, a former minister who previously won the seat in 2011. Vijay himself held a massive roadshow in Thoothukudi to boost Srinath's campaign, drawing significant crowds and media attention. Srinath's campaign focuses on bringing fresh perspectives on youth empowerment, social justice, and economic development, contrasting TVK's approach with traditional Dravidian parties. While he has no criminal cases declared and no corruption allegations have surfaced against him personally, his party faced a major tragedy when a crowd crush at a TVK rally in Karur on September 27, 2025, resulted in 41 deaths and over 100 injuries, leading to FIRs against other senior TVK leaders (though not Srinath). Voters should know that Srinath represents a celebrity-backed political movement attempting to disrupt Tamil Nadu's established political order. His lack of prior governance experience is offset by strong local connections and star power, but he faces an uphill battle against seasoned politicians with established track records in the constituency.