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Producer Naga Vamsi On Vijay Deverakonda's Reputation In The Industry: "One Of The Most Misunderstood People"

Producer Naga Vamsi On Vijay Deverakonda's Reputation In The Industry: "One Of The Most Misunderstood People"

NDTV09-05-2025

Chennai:
Pointing out that actor Vijay Deverakaonda was one of the most misunderstood people in the film industry, well known Telugu film producer Naga Vamsi on Friday said that the actor was in fact, one of the most soft-spoken and humble people he has ever known.
Taking to his X timeline to pen a birthday greeting to actor Vijay Deverakonda who celebrates his birthday on Friday, Naga Vamsi wrote, "One of the most misunderstood people in the industry, @TheDeverakonda. Before our first meeting, @gowtam19 and I used to wonder how we'd make a film with a hero with such a strong attitude. But after meeting you, all those thoughts changed."
One of the most misunderstood people in the industry, @TheDeverakonda. Before our first meeting, @gowtam19 and I used to wonder how we'd make a film with a hero with such a strong attitude. But after meeting you, all those thoughts changed. You're one of the most soft-spoken and… pic.twitter.com/z4QZZdoSCb
— Naga Vamsi (@vamsi84) May 9, 2025
"You're one of the most soft-spoken and humble people. So different from the person the world sees on stage with a mic. Wishing our dearest @TheDeverakonda a very happy birthday! May the coming years bring you many more blockbusters and continued success. #HBDVijayDeverakonda."
Naga Vamsi is currently producing director Gowtam Tinnanuri's explosive entertainer, Kingdom, in which Vijay Deverakonda plays the lead along with Bhagyashrii Borse.
Already, the makers have announced that dubbing for the first half of the film has been completed.
The film, which was initially being referred to as VD12, has the tagline, 'From the shadows of betrayal, shall rise a king.'
Written and directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, the film has music by Anirudh Ravichander and editing by Navin Nooli. It is being produced by Naga Vamsi S and Sai Soujanya under Sithara Entertainments and Fortune 4 Cinemas Banners respectively. The film is to be presented by Srikara Studios. Well known costume designer Neeraja Kona is in-charge of the costumes for this film, which has had its songs choreographed by Vijay Binni.
The film, which is full of action sequences, had three stunt choreographers -- Yannick Ben, Chethan D'Souza, Real Satish working on it.

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Given her remarkable talent, it didn't take long for Sarada to win her second National Award. In 1972, she played the lead in debutant Adoor Gopalakrishnan's Swayamvaram, opposite Madhu. A landmark film of the New Wave movement in Malayalam cinema, Swayamvaram portrayed raw human experiences, struggles and emotions in an organically crafted narrative. Despite the alien nature of her character Sita's circumstances and life struggles, Sarada portrayed her with pitch-perfect sensitivity, further showcasing her immense range and winning her second Best Actress trophy. Though she resumed working in Telugu cinema more often during the 1970s, Sarada did not sever ties with Malayalam, the industry that truly shaped her as a powerhouse performer. From Sree Guruvayoorappan and Snehadeepame Mizhi Thurakku to Thiruvonam, Hridayame Sakshi, Itha Ivide Vare, and cinema auteur KG George's Onappudava and Mannu, she continued delivering memorable performances. Even with the arrival of a new generation of actors like the extraordinary Shoba, Seema and Lakshmi, Sarada remained the preferred choice for roles that demanded sharply emotionally resonant portrayals. In the meantime, she won her third National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in the Telugu film Nimajjanam (1977). Although she appeared in only a handful of Malayalam films during the 1980s, many of them left a lasting impact, none more so than her role in Adoor Gopalakrishnan's Elippathayam (1982). Her portrayal of Rajamma proved that Sarada was just as adept at understated and restrained acting as she was at melodrama, revealing facets of her talent that even Malayalam cinema might not have fully explored. Even in more mature subsequent roles, such as in KG George's Lekhayude Maranam Oru Flashback (1983) and Bharathan's Oru Minnaminunginte Nurunguvettam (1987), she shone with remarkable grace and depth. Since the 1990s, Sarada has appeared in only less than 10 Malayalam films; but whenever she did, her presence was magnetic. In Mazhathullikkilukkam (2002), she delivered a touching portrayal as an elderly woman, sharing the screen with renowned actor Bharathi; with the two of them playing sisters. Though the film hasn't aged well, her performance as a widowed mother in Kamal's Rappakal (2005) — particularly her heartwarming chemistry with Mammootty's character Krishnan, the house help she raised as her own son — was widely appreciated. She also impressed in Jayaraj's Naayika (2011), where she played a yesteryear Malayalam cinema heroine with quiet strength and dignity. Her most recent appearance in Malayalam was in Ammakkoru Tharattu (2015). Interestingly, her bond with Kerala extends beyond cinema. 'My grandmother is from Kerala; I believe she was from somewhere around Kozhikode, though I have not yet been able to trace my roots,' she told The Hindu. In a 2005 interview with she revealed, 'In 1975, I married a well-educated Malayali who hailed from a wealthy family (this was her second marriage after her divorce from Telugu actor Chalam). I was pleased for some time. But later, I realised that he was only interested in my money and nothing else. So, we parted after some time. Please note that I am childless and raised my niece and nephew as my own. I am pleased that they have settled well now.' Anandu Suresh is a Senior sub-editor at Indian Express Online. He specialises in Malayalam cinema, but doesn't limit himself to it and explores various aspects of the art form. He also pens a column titled Cinema Anatomy, where he delves extensively into the diverse layers and dimensions of cinema, aiming to uncover deeper meanings and foster continuous discourse. Anandu previously worked with The New Indian Express' news desk in Hyderabad, Telangana. You can follow him on Twitter @anandu_suresh_ and write (or send movie recommendations) to him at ... Read More

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