Actor and politician Vijayakanth, who is fondly called Captain, has been tested positive for Covid-19, a statement from the actor's political party DMDK was put out on social media on Thursday.

The statement said that when the actor was admitted to the hospital for medical examination, he was confirmed positive for the virus. Further, the statement also said he has been suffering breathing problems and put under ventilator.

Vijayakanth had been taking treatment in Chennai's MIOT hospital for last few weeks after facing deterioration in his health.In November, the hospital statement said that he showed inmprovement in his health, but will be required to stay in hospital for two weeks.

Vijayakanth was last seen in a cameo role in the 2015 film Sagaptham directed by Surendran and produced by LK Sudhish. It starred Vijayakanth's youngest son Shanmuga Pandian in the lead role.