The longstanding rivalry between Kollywood stars Ajith Kumar and Vijay, once confined to box office clashes, has often spilled over into personal territory. Fans of both stars have long argued about who holds the second spot after Rajinikanth in Tamil cinema. While Ajith's fans claim he is the undisputed number two, Vijay's fans insist their idol is the reigning champion.
Unlike the relatively restrained fan wars in Telugu cinema, the battles between Vijay and Ajith fans in Tamil Nadu are often intense and unpleasant. Kollywood insiders frequently acknowledge the extremity of this rivalry.
Padma Awards: The New Flashpoint
The latest chapter in the Ajith-Vijay rivalry has been fueled by the Padma Bhushan award. Speculation is rife in Kollywood that the award was strategically given to Ajith to overshadow Vijay, especially since Vijay's political entry has ruffled feathers with Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK party.
Some believe that the award was part of a counter-political strategy aimed at morally undermining Vijay. The Kollywood grapevine suggests that similar tactics have been employed in the past. For instance, when MGR and Kamal Haasan launched their political parties, awards like the Dadasaheb Phalke were announced for Sivaji Ganesan and Rajinikanth.
Fan Reactions Intensify
Ajith's fans argue that Vijay’s silence on Ajith receiving the Padma Bhushan is another sign of the strained relationship between the two stars. They point out that Vijay didn’t congratulate Ajith when he won a race in Dubai, just as Ajith didn’t comment on Vijay’s political party launch.
Setting Rivalry Aside
Regardless of the fan wars, Ajith’s Padma Bhushan is well-deserved, and his contributions to Indian cinema have earned him this honor. While the rivalry may continue to dominate headlines, the focus should remain on celebrating the achievements of both stars.
