KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 -- Indian star Vijay has scored a victory in his political debut, with his party emerging as the single largest force in the Tamil Nadu state elections on Monday.

The win sent waves of excitement through his fanbase, including in Malaysia, where a local tea shop celebrated by giving away hundreds of free drinks "out of sheer love for Vijay."

India's Election Commission officially declared last night that Vijay's party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), had won 108 seats.

The actor also secured personal victories in both constituencies he contested, Tiruchi East and Perambur.

While TVK emerged as the single-largest party, it fell 10 seats short of the 118 required for a simple majority in the 234-seat state legisl...