Actor-turned-politician and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay, popularly known as ‘Thalapathy Vijay’, briefly tripped and fell at Chennai airport on Sunday while trying to get into his car as a large crowd of fans gathered to welcome him. His security team quickly lifted him and ensured he safely entered the vehicle.

The incident took place after Vijay’s return from Malaysia, where he participated in the audio launch of his film Jana Nayagan. The event was said to have nearly 100,000 fans and entered the Malaysian Book of Records as the largest audience for such an event. Pictures of his fall became widely spread on social media.

During the audio launch, Vijay told the audience about his decision to “quit cinema” and devote himself to the public for the reason that they had made him and his career a metaphorical “palace” and a “fort”. He expressed his gratitude to the supporters and admitted that their fear of his entering politics was the reason for his taking such an extreme measure.

Vijay had already announced that he would run for the Tamil Nadu assembly elections from Madurai East. By partnering with TVK, he presents himself as a non-political option in the state, consequently putting the ruling parties DMK and AIADMK in a dilemma.