For years, Vijay’s speeches at film events followed a familiar pattern. There would be a story, usually simple, often humorous, carrying a message aimed as much at his supporters as at his rivals. On Tuesday, standing inside the Tamil Nadu Assembly as Chief Minister for the first time during the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address, he returned to that well-worn device.

Only this time, the audience was the Assembly and no longer a rally ground.

The session on Tuesday quickly descended into confrontation, interruptions and eventually a walkout by Opposition DMK legislators. It saw Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin launching a personal attack on the CM. Yet, it also offered the clearest glimpse so far of how Vijay intends to wield power, combining accusation, humour, popular references, and carefully aimed political jabs.

Throughout the address, he repeatedly attacked the previous administration over alleged corruption.