A controversy erupted in Thoothukudi district after a Catholic priest, Godwin Rufus, Principal and Priest of Thirunelveli St. Xavier’s College, made remarks critical of actor Vijay and his growing fan following during a church sermon, drawing sharp objections from Vijay’s fans and cadres of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
The remarks were made during a special mass held on Sunday at a church in Veerapanthianpattinam, where Father Godwin Rufus, delivered a sermon. Referring to the influence of cinema personalities on children and youth, Father Rufus said that when children were asked what they wanted to become in the future, many replied that they wanted to become “Vijay fans.” He expressed concern over what he described as the increasing tendency of young people to follow film actors rather than other role models.
In his address, the priest stated that he was not personally opposed to Vijay but questioned why children and youth were increasingly gravitating towards cinema stars. He remarked that tradition was not something that ended in the present generation but continued across generations, likening it to a relay race. His comments also included a reference to Vijay as a leader whom large crowds were following, a remark that triggered strong reactions.
He said, “A little boy from elsewhere says, ‘I am going to take Astrophysics and study.’ But ask our children today what they want to become – ‘I am going to become a Vijay fan,’ they say. For someone who killed 41 people, is it right? He does this (shows his hands in cuffs) and does he want that everything/everyone should become like this? If he keeps his hand like this and shows a cuff, what will we do? We also put our hands like this and show the cuff, do we not? This leader keeps his hand in this way, showing that ‘I am already wearing the cuff,’ and the crowd going behind him is increasing. I am not an enemy of Vijay. But we must ask why our youths and our children are all running behind cinema actors. Tradition is not something that ends with today or yesterday. It is like a relay race.”
“நான் விஜய்க்கு எதிரி அல்ல. ஆனால், …” – திருநெல்வேலி செயின்ட் சேவியர் கல்லூரி முதல்வரும், பாதிரியாருமான காட்வின் ரூபஸ் கருத்து#Vijay | #TVK pic.twitter.com/srHqvCXUdD
— PttvOnlinenews (@PttvNewsX) December 23, 2025
Following the sermon, Vijay’s fans and members of TVK expressed strong objections to the priest’s statements. They reportedly approached the parish priest, Aloysius, and submitted a complaint condemning the remarks made during the church service.
TVK supporters alleged that the priest’s speech should not have been used to create political controversy and demanded that he issue an apology through a video statement. They also objected to references made while a case related to Vijay was still under investigation, alleging that making such statements in public amounted to defamation and deliberate misinformation.
The protesters further accused the priest of acting with political motives and alleged that he was functioning as an agent of the ruling DMK under the guise of religious leadership. The incident has since sparked debate over the use of religious platforms for comments on cinema personalities and emerging political movements.
Source: Indian Express Tamil
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