Thalapathy Vijay Iftar Event Sparks Religious Backlash Amid Muslim Controversy

Actor-turned-politician Thalapathy Vijay is under fire following an Iftar event he hosted earlier this month. What was intended as an act of religious harmony has turned into a storm of controversy, triggering strong reactions from religious leaders and members of the Muslim community.

The Thalapathy Vijay Iftar event, held on March 8 at the YMCA Grounds in Chennai, was part of the outreach efforts by his political party, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). Vijay participated in the event wearing a skull cap, joining Muslim attendees in evening prayers and breaking fast. However, the event soon became controversial due to claims of disrespect and alleged misuse of Islamic traditions.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam president Vijay

Fatwa Issued Over Thalapathy Vijay Muslim Controversy

Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, a prominent cleric from Uttar Pradesh and president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, has issued a fatwa urging Muslims to distance themselves from Vijay. The cleric accused the actor of historically portraying Muslims in a negative light through his films and labeled his political actions as opportunistic.

“In movies like Beast, Vijay has depicted Muslims as threats and terrorists,” said Maulana Razvi. “Now, as he enters politics, he is attempting to appear inclusive, but his past actions speak otherwise. The Iftar event is just another political gimmick.”

Community and Religious Bodies Respond

The Tamil Nadu Sunnat Jamath also expressed disapproval, filing a formal complaint against the event. They alleged that the Iftar gathering included individuals who were neither observing the fast nor respecting the occasion, including some with a background of criminal behavior.

“We are deeply hurt by the way the event was conducted. It was not in line with the sanctity of Ramadan,” said Syed Kous, Treasurer of the group. “This is not about publicity. We want accountability and respect for our beliefs.”

Political Reactions to the Iftar Incident

Former BJP Tamil Nadu president K. Annamalai criticized Vijay for what he described as hypocrisy. “You smoke and drink in films, and suddenly you host an Iftar? Wearing a skull cap for one evening doesn’t make you a community leader,” he remarked in a recent statement.

The Thalapathy Vijay Muslim controversy has now sparked broader debates around religious representation, political messaging, and communal sensitivity in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.

Conclusion: A Lesson in Sensitivity and Accountability

The Thalapathy Vijay Iftar event was meant to signal solidarity, but it has instead ignited a wave of criticism and distrust. As the Thalapathy Vijay Muslim controversy unfolds, it serves as a reminder that religious engagement must come with genuine intent and cultural understanding, especially in politically sensitive times.