Veteran actor Rajinikanth has publicly reacted to Vijay becoming the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, saying he was “extremely shocked” by the political development while addressing media speculation surrounding recent events.

Speaking during a press interaction at his residence in Chennai on Sunday, Rajinikanth also addressed criticism over his recent meeting with former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, rejecting suggestions that the move was politically motivated or linked to Vijay’s rise. He stressed that friendship should not be viewed through a political lens.

Rajinikanth further dismissed speculation that he was unhappy or jealous over Vijay’s elevation to the state’s top political post, strongly defending his personal integrity.

The comments come days after Vijay, who led his party to a historic election victory, was sworn in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, marking one of the biggest political shifts in the state’s recent history.