It is difficult to fathom the impact that this legend had on the people of the state. Even today, 22 years after he passed away, his name and image are the biggest draws for a party. It is not just one party that extols him. Every party that hopes to make its mark in the state holds the principles of this iconic leader in very high importance. Starting as a matinee idol, growing to be the undisputed king of Tamil cinema, entering the corridors of power and writing an entire chapter for himself; his political career is something that cannot be matched easily.