2026 TN elections | Sundar C to make political debut from Madurai Central on PNK ticket under AIADMK symbol

CHENNAI: Marking his formal entry into electoral politics, filmmaker-actor Sundar C will contest the upcoming Assembly elections from Madurai Central as a candidate of the Puthiya Needhi Katchi (PNK), an ally in the AIADMK-led NDA, party leaders announced on Saturday.

PNK founder-president AC Shanmugam said Sundar C would contest under the AIADMK's 'two leaves' symbol. He added that the announcement on the remaining candidate would be made at a press conference on March 30.

The candidature assumes political significance amid speculation over the electoral prospects of actor-politician Kushboo Sundar, the BJP state vice-president and Sundar C's spouse, whose own poll plans remain unclear.

In a message welcoming the decision, Kushboo described the move as a new chapter in her husband's public life. "He now marks his entry into politics," she said, expressing confidence that Sundar C would translate his long-standing public connect into electoral success.

Invoking family support, she said the candidature had the blessings of his late father, Chidambaram Pillai and his 94-year-old mother, Deivanai Chidambaram Pillai. She also credited the guidance of AC Shanmugam and the backing of AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran.

"He has entertained the people of Tamil Nadu for over three decades. I am confident he will serve them with the same commitment," she said, appealing for public support.