In a recent event honoring Tamil Nadu’s school toppers, actor and TVK president Vijay took a strong stance against the rising drug menace among youth. Addressing the gathering, Vijay expressed deep concern over the increasing prevalence of narcotics in the state, highlighting it as a serious societal issue that needs immediate attention. He emphasized the role of both the government and parents in safeguarding youngsters from falling prey to substance abuse.
“Controlling drugs is the government’s responsibility,” Vijay asserted, criticizing the current administration for what he perceives as a failure in tackling the issue effectively. He urged the students present to take an oath against drugs and cautioned them about the allure of temporary pleasures.
However, Vijay’s anti-drug advocacy seems at odds with his on-screen persona. Known for his influential presence in Tamil cinema, Vijay has often portrayed characters and performed in songs that glamorize smoking and drinking. His latest movie, ‘GOAT’, has come under scrutiny for its first song ‘Whistle Podu’, which allegedly contains lyrics that promote drug use, raising eyebrows among critics and political figures alike.
The PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss has been vocal in condemning Vijay’s contradictory stance. He has consistently pointed out the disparity between Vijay’s public advocacy against drugs and his on-screen depiction of substance use, particularly through promotional materials that prominently feature the actor with cigarettes, sending mixed messages to his vast fanbase.
This dual image of Vijay as a crusader against drugs in public forums while simultaneously perpetuating a culture of substance use in his cinematic endeavors underscores a broader societal debate on the responsibility of public figures in shaping societal norms. Critics argue that such contradictions can dilute the impact of anti-drug campaigns and lead to confusion among impressionable audiences, especially the youth who constitute a significant portion of Vijay’s fan following.
Despite these criticisms, Vijay has also spoken out about alcohol prohibition, adding another layer to the complexity of his public statements versus his on-screen portrayals. His advocacy for social issues while maintaining artistic freedom has sparked discussions on the limits of artistic expression and the ethical responsibilities of public figures.
As Tamil Nadu continues to grapple with the challenges posed by drug abuse, Vijay’s evolving stance and the reactions to it serve as a reminder of the nuanced role that celebrities play in influencing public opinion and policy discourse. Whether his on-screen choices align with his public statements remains a subject of ongoing scrutiny and debate.
