Can Kingdom end the long shadow of Arjun Reddy on Vijay Deverakonda's career?

India Today

30-07-2025

'What's up, what's up, my rowdy boys and girls?' It's been a while since fans have heard Vijay Deverakonda begin a speech with this line, a phrase that became iconic during the 'Arjun Reddy' wave. But as I watched the trailer of his upcoming film 'Kingdom', this dialogue echoed in my head. And it made me wonder: have things really changed from then to now?advertisementA lot has indeed changed, in the industry, in audience sensibilities, and in Vijay Deverakonda's career. But one thing that has stubbornly remained is the shadow of 'Arjun Reddy' on Vijay Deverakonda, even after 11 films. Whether he's being trolled online or celebrated for his screen presence, his name continues to be inseparable from the character that made him a star.The weight of Arjun ReddyWithin a short span and with just a few films, Vijay Deverakonda rose from being an industry outsider to one of Telugu cinema's most-discussed stars. A self-made actor from Telangana with no film family background, speaking in the local dialect and unafraid to speak his mind, his rise was initially seen as aspirational. He was raw, relatable, and rooted.
But that image shifted quickly and dramatically. After winning hearts with the breezy romantic drama 'Pelli Choopulu', his third film, 'Arjun Reddy' turned him into a nationwide sensation. The role was as intense as it was controversial. The performance did not just redefine Vijay on screen, it also began to shape how people viewed him off-screen. The character's aggression, combined with Vijay's attitude during the film's release, started blurring the lines between performance and persona. At the film's pre-release event, Deverakonda said, 'People complained about my speech on social media. They said, 'He's too arrogant, overconfident, talks like a hero already.' To all those people, I would like to apologise to no f**king body, because I don't give a f**k.' That statement became as iconic, and as divisive, as the film itself.From that moment, Vijay Deverakonda was no longer just a breakout actor. He became a polarising figure. His outspokenness was labelled as arrogance. His unshakeable confidence was mistaken for ego. Every film he did, every appearance he made, was viewed through the 'Arjun Reddy' lens.But somewhere beneath all the noise, what often got lost was the fact that he is a genuinely good actor. And while the criticism was never just about his off-screen behaviour, it leads to a larger question. Was it all entirely about the off-screen presence?Every performance, a shade of Arjun Reddy?One of the most common criticisms Deverakonda faces is that many of his roles feel like variations of 'Arjun Reddy'. Films like 'Geetha Govindam', 'Dear Comrade', 'World Famous Lover', 'Kushi', and most recently 'The Family Star' have all faced this scrutiny. His performances, even when technically different, are accused of feeling the same.advertisementBut the catch here is, this isn't just restricted to Deverakonda. When actors deliver iconic performances, audiences tend to associate them with that role for a long time. The actors also struggle to come out of the role and end up leaving traces of that performance. Aamir Khan faced similar criticism post 'PK', and in Telugu cinema, legends like Krishna experienced it after 'Alluri Sitarama Raju'. Sometimes, it is not typecasting. It is the weight of a performance, both on the actors and the audience, that overshadows everything else.While there is some truth to this repetition of mannerisms and screen attitude, what often goes unnoticed is the diversity in his script choices. From the political drama 'NOTA' to the supernatural thriller 'Taxiwala', and the family entertainer 'Kushi', he has not stuck to just one genre. Unfortunately, the problem wasn't the variation in concepts. It was in the execution, the storytelling, and sometimes, the timing. Arjun Reddy sounds like Vijay DeverakondaAnother subtle but persistent criticism is of his voice. Audiences often point out that his tone, diction, and dialogue delivery sound similar across films and even in interviews. His gritty voice became iconic in 'Arjun Reddy', with several dialogues achieving cult status on social media. But when that same texture carries into every role, it reduces variation in his performances.advertisementIn fact, during his recent appearance in 'Kalki 2898 AD' as Arjuna, some viewers praised the intensity of his cameo, while others felt his voice lacked the modulation or gravitas expected of mythological characters. The critique wasn't about acting alone. It was about how the voice and attitude seemed to carry the baggage of his real-life image too.In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Deverakonda candidly reflected on this. "'Arjun Reddy', I used to fight it for the longest time because I was under the impression that I had to do something better to surpass it. I wanted people to forget 'Arjun Reddy'. But recently, I've come to terms with the fact that it's a film that will always be loved. Maybe the goal isn't to outdo it. Maybe the goal is simply to make good films now.' Beyond the film: The PR problemThe trolling and scrutiny that began after 'Arjun Reddy' never really stopped. And over the years, it has snowballed into full-blown criticism for even unrelated things. His statements, appearances, interviews, things that wouldn't raise eyebrows if said by other actor, often get amplified or misinterpreted when Vijay says them.advertisementSome fans have even suggested that he is unfairly targeted and may be a victim of paid negativity campaigns online. Recently, after Pooja Hegde opened up about systemic trolling and paid negative trolls in the industry, many began to reflect on the pattern. Regardless of the reasons, he often finds himself back in the spotlight, facing fresh waves of trolling. Why 'Kingdom' might be the turning pointWhich brings us to his new offering, 'Kingdom'. The teaser reveals Vijay as Soori, a spy in a high-stakes undercover mission. There is action, emotion, internal conflict, and most importantly, something that feels different. The look, the characterisation, the tone, there is a visible effort to break away from the conventional image.There is hope too, because director Gowtam Tinnanuri's track record speaks volumes. After 'Jersey' and 'Malli Raava', it is clear that his treatment of male leads is emotionally rich, layered, and respectful of narrative depth. With music by Anirudh Ravichander and a two-part format, 'Kingdom' might offer Vijay the canvas he has been waiting for, to remind people of what made him a star in the first place.- Ends