(This article is authored by Alar)

The film fraternity and the political circles of Tamil Nadu were in a state of shock and anxiety when the news broke out that actor-turned-politician Vijayakanth, popularly known as Captain, was admitted to MIOT hospital with severe respiratory distress and was put on ventilator support.

The 71-year-old leader of the DMDK (Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam) party, who had acted in over 60 movies and had served as the opposition leader in the state assembly, had been battling various health issues for several years and had been away from the public eye.

However, in a surprising turn of events, a group of prominent film personalities and friends of Vijayakanth visited him at the hospital on Tuesday and claimed that he was doing well and recovering fast. Actor Sangha leader Nasser, FEFSI president RK Selvamani, director Lingusamy, and Tamil film producer Sangha leader Murali met Vijayakanth and his family and inquired about his health condition. They also spoke to the chief doctor who was treating Vijayakanth and got a positive update on his status.

Speaking to the media outside the hospital, Nasser said, “We visited Captain Vijayakanth at the hospital and found him in good health. The doctor assured us that he is healthy and recovering well. Some of the news reports are false and misleading. He said that his physical condition is the same as it was two months ago. Vijayakanth will recover soon. He expressed hope that he will talk to us.”

The film industry and the political party members were relieved and happy to hear the good news and expressed their wishes and prayers for Vijayakanth’s speedy recovery. Vijayakanth’s wife Premalatha also shared a video on social media, in which she thanked the fans and supporters for their love and concern and assured them that Vijayakanth was fine and would be home soon.

Vijayakanth, who made his debut in cinema in 1979, had carved a niche for himself as an action hero and a social reformer. He had also earned a reputation for his philanthropic activities and his help to the needy. He entered politics in 2005 and formed the DMDK party, which had emerged as a formidable force in the state. He had also allied with various political parties and had contested in several elections. He had become the first actor to be elected as the opposition leader in the Tamil Nadu assembly in 2011.