Vijay under legal scanner again as petition seeks criminal probe in Rs 20 crore ‘Puli’ payment case

Chennai: Actor Vijay, founder of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), is facing a fresh legal challenge after a writ petition was filed in the Madras High Court seeking a police investigation into alleged tax irregularities linked to his remuneration for the 2015 film ‘Puli’.

The petition reportedly calls for the registration of an FIR over claims relating to payments made to the actor during the production of the film.

Income tax raids and alleged cash payments

The matter traces back to September 2015, when the Income Tax Department conducted raids at multiple locations connected to Vijay.

According to the petition, officials allegedly discovered evidence of cash payments that were not fully disclosed at the time.

The plea claims that the producers of ‘Puli’ paid Vijay through two separate modes. It alleges that Rs 16 crore was transferred by cheque, while an additional Rs 4.93 crore was paid in cash.

The petition further states that tax deducted at source (TDS) was applied to the cheque payment but not to the cash component.

It also claims that during questioning, Vijay acknowledged receiving the cash amount linked to his remuneration for the film.

Reports cited in the petition stated: “He admitted to receiving nearly Rs 5 crore in cash connected to his remuneration for Puli. It is also mentioned that he agreed to pay tax on this amount.”

Petition seeks criminal investigation

According to the reports, Vijay later declared an additional income of Rs 15 crore for the 2015-16 financial year in an attempt to settle the discrepancies connected to the issue.

However, the latest writ petition is now seeking to reopen the matter as a criminal case.

The legal developments come at a significant moment in Vijay’s political career.

His party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, recently emerged as the single-largest party in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections after winning 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly.

The party remains 10 seats short of the majority mark required to independently form the government.

Reports suggest Vijay is currently holding discussions with other political parties, including the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), regarding possible support arrangements.

There is also speculation that Vijay could be sworn in as Chief Minister on May 7, 2026, although the new legal petition may affect the pace of political developments.

‘Jana Nayagan’ set for release

Amid the political and legal developments, Vijay is also preparing for the release of his upcoming film Jana Nayagan.

Jana Nayagan is scheduled to release on May 2026.