A reel sequence just influenced real life.
In a vital scene from the 2002 film Thamizhan, the protagonist Surya (played by Vijay) sends a cheque of ₹4,000 to the Indian Prime Minister as his contribution towards settling the country’s outstanding debt.
Almost 25 years later, this sequence seems to have inspired Chennai-based Arun Loganathan. Even as actor Vijay took over as Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister recently, Arun has done what the actor did in the movie: he has deposited ₹22,674 to the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund, as part of his contribution towards settling the state’s debts.
“It is a small effort from my side,” says Arun, “I have often heard the saying: Be the change you wish to see in this world. This, in my opinion, part of that change.”
A mentalist by profession, 43-year-old Arun believes that citizens should play an active role in governance and social awareness as well. “I have documented on video my entire journey of visiting the Villivakkam post office and depositing the amount,” says Arun, who based his calculation on the Tamil Nadu budget released in February 2026. “While the entire amount for one individual would work out to more than Rs 1 lakh, I decided to deposit ₹22, 674 for now.”
