Actor Vijay Draws Criticism from Muslim Clerics Over Iftar Party Invitations
Tamil actor and Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) president Thalapathy Vijay has found himself at the center of controversy after a fatwa was issued against him by the All India Muslim Jamat (AIMJ). The fatwa, announced by AIMJ president Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, advises the Muslim community not to support the actor-turned-politician due to alleged disrespect towards Islamic values and the community.
According to Maulana Razvi, Vijay has previously portrayed Muslims negatively in several of his films, including titles like Kaththi and Beast, where he is accused of associating the community with terrorism. “He has formed a political party and is trying to win over Muslims. But in his films, he showed Muslims as those who spread violence,” Razvi said while addressing the media.
The controversy escalated after Vijay hosted an Iftar party, which is typically a spiritual and community-centered event during the holy month of Ramadan. Maulana Razvi alleged that individuals who were gamblers and alcohol consumers were among the attendees, which he claimed deeply offended Sunni Muslims in Tamil Nadu. “This is not how an Iftar should be conducted. It was disrespectful,” he stated.
Razvi added that the fatwa came in response to appeals from members of the Sunni Muslim community in Tamil Nadu who were upset by Vijay's actions. “As a religious leader, I was asked for guidance, and I issued a fatwa advising Muslims not to support him,” he said, emphasizing that this advisory is rooted in both religious and social concerns.
The timing of the fatwa is notable, as it follows previous reports that Vijay and his party TVK sought Y-category security from the central government due to perceived threats from the Muslim community. Political rivals alleged that the actor feared backlash over his film portrayals and public events.
VCK (Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi) spokesperson Vanniarasu pointed to Vijay’s films as the source of the tension. “In Kaththi and Beast, Muslims were shown in a negative light. That portrayal has caused deep resentment,” he said, suggesting that this may have prompted the request for additional security.
However, TVK and its ally, the Tamil Nadu Muslim League, have strongly denied any wrongdoing. They claim the controversy is politically motivated, with accusations designed to drive a wedge between Vijay and Muslim voters. The parties accused the ruling DMK and its allies of orchestrating a campaign to damage Vijay’s image among minority communities ahead of future elections.
As the issue continues to unfold, the fatwa has sparked widespread debate in Tamil Nadu’s political and social circles. Vijay, a hugely popular figure in the Tamil film industry, has been steadily building his political base. However, incidents like this highlight the challenges he faces in navigating sensitive communal dynamics while transitioning from cinema to full-fledged politics.
Vijay and TVK have not yet issued an official statement in response to the fatwa. Political analysts suggest the party may adopt a cautious approach, focusing on damage control while emphasizing its commitment to inclusive politics.
The fatwa marks a significant moment in Vijay’s political journey, underlining the growing scrutiny he faces as he seeks to reshape his image from film star to people’s leader.












