Thalapathy Vijay Faces Backlash Over Iftar Event: Muslim Cleric Issues Fatwa

Actor and Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) president Thalapathy Vijay is facing growing criticism after hosting an Iftar party that has triggered strong reactions from sections of the Muslim community. The Thalapathy Vijay Iftar event, held in Chennai, has now become the center of a religious and political storm, culminating in a fatwa issued by a senior Islamic cleric.

Cleric Calls Out Thalapathy Vijay Over Muslim Controversy

Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, president of the All India Muslim Jamaat (AIMJ), issued the fatwa warning Muslims in Tamil Nadu not to trust or support Vijay. He accused the actor of misrepresenting Islam and portraying Muslims as terrorists in some of his previous films.

According to Maulana Razvi, the Thalapathy Vijay Muslim controversy reflects deeper issues of political opportunism, especially as the actor transitions into a political role. “In films like Beast, Vijay’s character indirectly associates Muslims with terrorism. Such portrayals damage the social fabric and contribute to dangerous stereotypes,” he said.

Thalapathy Vijay Iftar event

What Happened at the Thalapathy Vijay Iftar Event?

The Iftar party, hosted by Vijay on March 8 at Chennai’s YMCA grounds, was intended to showcase inclusivity and outreach to the Muslim community. Dressed in a skull cap, Vijay joined the evening prayers and broke his fast with attendees. However, multiple groups—including the Tamil Nadu Sunnat Jamath—claimed that the event was disorganized and disrespectful, with allegations that non-fasting individuals, including alleged drunkards and rowdies, were present.

This perceived disregard for Islamic customs has only intensified the Thalapathy Vijay Muslim controversy, with religious leaders arguing that the actor used the Iftar setting for political gain rather than genuine solidarity.

Community Response and Political Reactions

The cleric’s fatwa has urged Muslims to keep their distance from Vijay and his political ambitions under the TVK banner. He called on the community to avoid inviting the actor to religious functions, stating that his involvement risks trivializing Islamic traditions.

Even some political figures, such as former Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai, criticized Vijay, questioning the sincerity of his engagement with minority communities.