Why Kamal Haasan’s missed bigger role in multi-starrer TN politics | India News

Last month, when Kamal Hasan Anna went to Arivalayam, DMK Headquartered in Chennai, this marked the end of the road, to receive the Rajya Sabha nomination from CM MK Stalin. Makkal Nidhi Maiyam (MNM) founder’s promise to provide an alternative to two Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu.Hassan launched MNM in February 2018 to address anti-establishment resentment. MNM’s first political campaign ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections saw the actor smashing a TV set that was delivering a speech, apparently by Stalin. Cut to 2026 and, after accepting the Rajya Sabha nomination, Haasan “generously” surrendered three assembly seats that the DMK had offered to the MNM as an alliance offer.Why Haasan, who defined success in films, failed to live up to his promise as a politician? Mistakes, perhaps, started early. The MNM, true to its name (‘miyam’ meaning centre), sought to be a centrist force representing various sections of society. This position itself was seen as lacking credibility, since Hasan was known for his left-wing views long before his political entry. Being at the center of political discourse is also subject to political dilemmas.On the electoral front, the MNM has suffered back-to-back electoral setbacks. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, it contested 37 seats and got a blank with 3.7% votes. In the 2021 assembly elections, it fielded candidates in 154 seats, won none, and its vote share fell to 2.5%. In neighboring Puducherry it polled only 1.8%. Ahead of the 2024 general elections, the MNM joined the DMK-led alliance.After the death of influential leaders like Jayalalithaa and M Karunanidhi, many saw a new political space in Tamil Nadu, which film personalities like Haasan and Rajinikanth could potentially fill. While Haasan took the plunge, Rajinikanth put his political plans on hold for late 2020 citing health concerns.Haasan’s core team included people from various professional backgrounds — IAS officer Santosh Babu, retired IPS officer AG Maurya, businessman R Mahendran, entrepreneur CK Kumaravel, social activist Kamila Nasser, actor director Sripriya and writer Suka. Although notable in their respective fields, they were all political newcomers and Hasan failed to attract veterans from other parties.Anusha Ravi, a lawyer who was the MNM campaign secretary, said she joined the party after being drawn to Hasan’s call for change. “But, soon, he lost his conviction and I was disappointed. Haasan is passionate about cinema, but not politics,” said Ravi, who joined the BJP in 2024.Some political analysts felt that Hasan lacked a coherent political strategy. “The MNM has a weak organizational structure and limited engagement with the people,” says political commentator Aji Senthilnathan. “Hassan’s appeal is largely limited to urban voters. After the 2019 debacle several core members left the party, some joining other parties like the DMK.”Political analyst Priyan Srinivasan said Hasan was unsure how to deal with the setback. “Election defeat is normal, there should be a plan to take the party forward,” he said. “Look at Naam Tamilar Kachi. It has suffered several defeats, but its leader Seeman is less frustrated and has kept the party relevant.”Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Kachi (VK) general secretary D Ravikumar said Haasan’s electoral defeat to Vanathi Srinivasan by a narrow margin in Coimbatore in 2019 was a turning point. “Had he won, his political career would have been different. Sustaining a political party requires patience, grassroots work and long-term commitment,” said Ravikumar, who termed Hasan’s move to the DMK as “pragmatic and regressive”.In cinema, Haasan, who is called ‘Sakalkal Valvan (Master of All Arts)’ is known for displaying intellectual depth and creative fortitude. However, many of his works struggled to resonate with rural audiences, as his ideas were sometimes ahead of their time. Under the guidance of legendary director K Balachander, Haasan became one of the most celebrated actors in South India.Yet, the transition from cinema to politics brings a different set of challenges, where individual brilliance must give way to collective leadership and organizational strength.Haasan is not the first big star to fail in politics. Before founding Thamizhaga Munnetra Munnani in 1988, legendary actor Shivaji Ganesan tried his luck with DMK and Congress. After failing to make a mark in the 1989 elections, it merged with the Janata Dal. For Tamil Nadu’s recent film-to-politics crossover star TVK Neta Vijay, Haasan’s journey carries several lessons.Crossover they areMG Ramachandran The actor left the Congress and joined the DMK in 1953. He was appointed party treasurer in 1969. In 1972, after his expulsion from DMK, MGR formed his party ADMK. He would serve two terms as chief minister, holding the saddle for 10 years.Jayalalithaa He joined the ADMK in 1982 and quickly rose through the ranks to become its publicity secretary by 1983. Known as ‘Purachi Thalaivi’ or ‘Revolutionary Leader’, he was a five-time chief minister and an ADMK colossus who was the party’s longest-serving general secretary.Shivaji Ganesh After leaving the Congress in 1988, Thamizhaga founded the Munnetra Munnani Party. But the party failed to win seats in the 1989 elections, prompting him to briefly join the Janata Party before retiring from politics.Vijayakanth Founded DMDK in 2005 and served two terms as MLA from the party. The DMDK emerged as the second largest party in the 2011 assembly elections and Vijayakanth became the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly from 2011 to 2016.And Sharat Kumar The actor founded the All India Samathuva Makkal Kachi (AISMK) in 2007 After leading the party for over 16 years, he merged it with the BJP in 2024, citing the need for stronger joint action and ideological alignment with Prime Minister Modi.