As actor-turned-politician Vijay begins his new chapter as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, Mohanlal has shared his thoughts on the actor-politician’s enduring superstardom and the emotional bond he shares with audiences.

In a recent interview with Galatta Plus during promotions for Drishyam 3, Mohanlal was asked about Vijay’s immense popularity and what makes people feel so connected to him. The Malayalam superstar, who previously worked with Vijay in Jilla, described stardom as something that often goes beyond explanation.

“It’s basically the characters we play, not the personal stuff,” Mohanlal said, explaining that audiences usually connect with the image and emotions actors create onscreen rather than their real lives.

Reflecting on how cinema shapes public admiration, he spoke about how earlier generations grew attached to stars through films alone. Drawing comparisons with icons like MG Ramachandran and Rajinikanth, Mohanlal said cinema carries a unique influence that cannot always be logically understood. "Take MGR, for example — people connected with him through his films and the characters he portrayed. We never really looked at the personal life; that is something different," he explained.

“Cinema has that magic. Even with someone like Rajinikanth, the stardom is huge, and there’s some kind of magic to it that cannot really be explained,” he said. He then linked the same sentiment to Vijay, calling it “an unknowable magic” behind why audiences remain deeply attached to certain stars.

Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, registered a sweeping win in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, paving the way for the actor to become the state’s new chief minister.

Drishyam 3's cast also includes Meena, Ansiba Hassan, Murali Gopy, Siddique, and Asha Sharath, among others. The film is presented by Dr Jayantilal Gada of Pen Studios and Panorama Studios. Helmed by Jeethu Joseph, the film is gearing up for release on May 21.