Watch: TVK supporter worships Tamil Nadu CM Vijay's life-sized mannequin

Internet gives mixed reactions

A video of a TVK supporter worshipping a life-sized mannequin of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay inside his prayer room has gone viral.

According to reports, the man has been identified as Sukumar Shanmugam, a TVK functionary from Tamil Nadu's Trichy. In the video, he is seen performing rituals to a mannequin of Vijay, placed among other deities inside his prayer room.

Shanmugam has been performing daily poojas and offering prayers to the mannequin since TVK's historic victory in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, reports said.

It is also reported that the party supporter has been actively involved in campaign promotions. He previously gifted a similar mannequin of Vijay to a fellow party worker, Navalpattu Viji, during the election campaign.

A life-size cut-off Vijay with folded hands showcased during the election campaign.

Internet reacts

The video quickly gained traction online, with supporters viewing it as a symbol of loyalty, while other users linked it to celebrity-worship culture.

One user wrote: "Such conduct is embarrassing and does not reflect the dignity, values, and progress of the Tamil diaspora."

Another user commented with an AI-generated meme template, where Lord Shiva was depicted reacting to Vijay's idolization by saying, "If he is God, then who am I?"

Referring to Vijay's frequent avoidance of press briefings, a user took a jibe quipping: "No difference. Both Vijay & his mannequin can't speak." (sic)