I n the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu , the phrase hero-worship is taken literally. It’s not uncommon to see towering cut-outs of film stars being drenched in offerings of milk by devout followers, or indeed for such idols to become political leaders. What is unusual, though, is the speed at which Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar – known universally just by the name Vijay – has gone from silver-screen hero to chief minister of the entire state, having only launched his political party less than two years ago. Vijay’s party won 108 of the 234 seats in Tamil Nadu’s state election results announced this week, one of a number of key polls that have significantly altered India’s political landscape. He was sworn in as chief minister on Sunday morning, after agreeing a coalition government with the Congress party. In doing so, the film star has put an abrupt end to nearly 50 years of dominance in the state from two major regional parties, best known by their acronyms DMK and AIADMK.…