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The Hindu
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Vijay Deverakonda interview: At 60, I do not want to be an unhappy star
Two days after the release of his Telugu film Kingdom, directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, Vijay Deverakonda is still taking in the response. He is yet to watch the film in theatres but is game to answer queries about the plot points during a media interaction. When he settles down for this interview, he gets candid about the highs and lows in his career. Edited excerpts from the conversation: What's your state of mind right now? Has the success sunk in? I think it will take a while. I fully grasped the extent of Geetha Govindam's success only a year ago. Back then I didn't understand all the talk about collections and asked (producer) Bunny Vasu and others whether it's a hit. About a year ago when I saw some footage of the promotions and how the film drew the audiences, it sunk in. Rashmika (Mandanna) and I talked about it and said, 'we should have enjoyed this at the time'. It is seven years too late. She called me yesterday and said, 'I hope you are enjoying the reception (to Kingdom).' Taxiwaala did reasonably well, and Dear Comrade was appreciated over time. But is Kingdom your biggest hit after Geetha Govindam? It sure is. Kingdom has given me the intense love of the audiences yet again. Kushi also opened well but in hindsight, we all felt that the 'conflict point' between the couple — one being a believer and the other an atheist — was resolved too quickly. It could have been explored further for the emotional connection with the audience. Shiva Nirvana (director) was keen to move on to their tussle over having a child. It was a creative call. It was tough to judge at the time. In the last seven years, how did you pick yourself up when your films did not work as expected? I give my best to every film. And I have asked why cannot God, or the Universe, take my side. I have had sleepless nights. At night when the world is asleep and you are alone, wide awake with a racing mind, it is rough. This happened to me a lot over the last two to three years. But I would wake up the next morning, hit the gym and prepare for my next film. Before Kingdom's release, I was aware that whatever be the outcome, I need to give my 100% when I begin filming for Rahul Sankrityan's film on August 4. After the stupendous success of Pelli Choopulu, director Tharun Bhascker said he had a panic attack and faced an imposter syndrome, weighed down by all the praise. Did you face a similar situation after seeing both highs and lows? When Tharun told me about what he was going through, I did not understand it. I found it absurd and as a dear friend, would ask him to enjoy the success. My focus shifted to how to get to the next step — learn dancing, horse riding, get fitter… Arjun Reddy was made within a 5-crore budget. Sandeep (Reddy Vanga) and I travelled to Italy with a four-member team. There was no crew, caravan, makeup or hairdresser. We made do with the bare minimum. The thought was about what we could have done with better amenities or a bigger crew. After tasting success and getting these facilities, it was frustrating when I could not see the desired result on screen for all the effort that was going into a film. What upset me more is not being able to live up to my potential. People turn up in large numbers on the opening day of your films. These are audiences in different age groups. Have you wondered what makes people look forward to your films despite the setbacks? I have no idea. But this audience and their love is very important to me. I did my first few films for survival, to make some money and get another opportunity to act. Now I do not want people to lose faith in me. For instance, I can watch any Leonardo DiCaprio film. I may not like one odd film, but I will still watch his films because of his performance and the intent to narrate something of quality. Likewise, when people see my poster and come to watch a film, I do not want them to be disappointed. My problem is I am a man in a rush. I have no patience for a slow journey. Did you set out to become an actor or a star? Did that change over the years? I have a bad memory, so I don't recall much. A dear friend who has known me since I was 20, told me much later that I had said, 'I am going to be an actor; not just any actor, but the biggest actor'. This was when I was doing theatre. She was worried about me and the journey ahead. At the time of Pelli Choopulu, all that Tharun and I wanted was to ensure that the film makes some money. The film was completed within ₹60 lakh. We hoped that if it earned a crore, we could take a salary of ₹10 lakh each. We hoped to make one film a year, within a crore each, and encourage aspiring directors. The plan changed after Arjun Reddy and Geetha Govindam became massive hits. The feeling of being loved is addictive and dangerous. Now my idea is to find a balance between achieving greatness and being happy. It is conflicting. Sometimes I want to be great at the cost of being happy. At other times, I wonder what the point of being a huge star is if I am unhappy. I want to be happy with my loved ones and enjoy the work I do. When I am 60, I want to be considered a respected actor of my time who has also seen crazy stardom; but I don't want to be an unhappy star wondering what I did with my life beyond film releases and tracking numbers.
News18
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Arjun Reddy To Taxiwaala, 5 Vijay Deverakonda Films To Watch If You Liked Kingdom
Last Updated: Kingdom is being lauded for its incredible cast performances, engaging storyline and Anirudh Ravichander's electrifying background score. Vijay Deverakonda is currently enjoying the fans' positive response to his recently released spy action thriller, Kingdom, released today, July 31, with many calling it his career-best performance. Helmed by Gowtham Tinnanuri, the film also features Bhagyashri Borse and Satyadev in the lead roles. It is being lauded for its incredible cast performances, engaging storyline and Anirudh Ravichander's electrifying background score. If you loved Vijay Devereakonda's Kingdom, here are the 5 films of the actor that you must watch: Arjun Reddy Helmed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the romantic drama propelled Vijay to stardom. In the film, he portrays a bright but disturbed surgeon who goes into depression following a major heartbreak. The film was a huge hit, and it was eventually recreated in Hindi as Kabir Singh and Tamil as Adithya Varma. Geetha Govindam Released in 2018, Geetha Govindam features Vijay Deverakonda plays Vijay Govind, a sincere but naive college lecturer. He falls for Geetha (played by Rashmika Mandanna), and the film follows their romantic journey. The film was a great success, establishing Vijay Deverakonda's popularity and is known for its delightful portrayal of the key characters. Dear Comrade Featuring Vijay and Rashmika Mandanna, Dear Comrade was released in 2019 and garnered much appreciation from fans and critics alike. In the film, the actor played a complex character with anger issues, who falls in love with a state-level cricketer. His portrayal is described as raw and emotionally intense, highlighting several aspects of his character, including rage, romance, and his battle for justice. Pelli Choopulu Pelli Choopulu follows the story of Prashanth and Chitra, who meet through an arranged marriage (pelli choopulu) and eventually collaborate on a food truck business. The film highlights their respective goals, their early hesitation to pursue a relationship, and their eventual journey together as they face the difficulties of starting a business. Taxiwaala Directed by Rahul Sankrityan, the film follows the story of Shiva, a young man played by Vijay Deverakonda, who works as a taxi driver to support himself. His life takes a spooky turn when he discovers that his new car is possessed. The film covers how Shiva interacts with this odd scenario, including determining the cause for the car's possession. Vijay Deverakonda's Upcoming Films: He will be next seen in director Rahul Sankrityan's next and then in a collaboration with director Ravi Kiran Kola. First Published: July 31, 2025, 11:26 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Today
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Can Kingdom end the long shadow of Arjun Reddy on Vijay Deverakonda's career?
'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 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 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' 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 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 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 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 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 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 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
India Today
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
In Vijay Deverakonda's Kingdom, the rise, slump and the road to redemption
Vijay Deverakonda's career trajectory is one compelling screenplay. It has all the ingredients to keep you invested. From witnessing a meteoric rise and facing crushing lows, a triumphant comeback is just around the corner. The actor often talked about how he achieved success in an industry without any backing. While his career saw a lot of highs, it is also a challenging one at 'Kingdom' all set for a grand release later this week, let us take a look at how his career has shaped the actor that he ARRIVAL AND THE RISEDeverakonda's rise as a promising hero began modestly but gained unstoppable momentum through three pivotal films that established him as Telugu cinema's new poster boy. 'Yevade Subramanyam' marked his entry into mainstream cinema, where his supporting role alongside Nani showcased his natural screen presence and acting chops. The film's success opened doors, but it was merely a glimpse of what was to real breakthrough came with director Tharun Bhascker's 'Pelli Choopulu', where Deverakonda played his first solo lead. This slice-of-life romantic comedy, co-starring Ritu Varma, became a runaway hit and established him as a promising newcomer. The film's success proved that audiences were hungry for fresh faces and relatable storytelling. However, it was director Sandeep Reddy Vanga's 'Arjun Reddy' that transformed Deverakonda from a promising actor into a phenomenon. His raw, unfiltered portrayal of Arjun Reddy – a self-destructive medical student consumed by love and rage – struck a chord with younger film's bold content and Deverakonda's fearless performance created a cultural moment, spawning countless discussions and establishing him as the voice of rebellious youth. The angry young man portrayal tapped into the psyche of audiences and is still talked about. 'Arjun Reddy' was remade in multiple languages. While the Hindi remake tasted success, the Tamil version hardly made a high on 'Arjun Reddy's' success, Deverakonda delivered 'Geetha Govindam', a charming romantic comedy opposite Rashmika Mandanna. The film was a massive commercial success, proving that he could pull off family entertainers as well. His chemistry with Rashmika and the film's family-friendly appeal expanded his fan base significantly. THE DEVASTATING SLUMP'Dear Comrade' saw him reunite with Rashmika in a romantic action drama that, while receiving mixed reviews, showcased his versatility as an actor. By this point, Deverakonda had established himself as one of Telugu cinema's most bankable stars, with a devoted fan following and the industry's however, wasn't constant in his film career. It took a sharp downturn with a series of consecutive failures that tested both his resilience and his standing in the crushing failure began with 'World Famous Lover', which opened to negative reviews and failed to connect with audiences despite featuring multiple female actors, including Raashii Khanna, Catherine Tresa, and Aishwarya the most significant blow came with 'Liger', a Hindi-Telugu bilingual that was meant to establish him as a pan-India star. Directed by Puri Jagannadh and produced by Karan Johar, the film "opened to highly negative" reviews. The actor guaranteed a blockbuster success and even made tall claims about its box office collection. However, the film tanked at the box office. It did not end there! The streak continued with 'Kushi' and reached its peak with 'The Family Star'. While 'The Family Star', despite being a reunion with director Parasuram, failed to recreate the charm of 'Geeta Govindam'.The failures weren't just commercial disappointments - they represented a disconnect between the actor's choices and audience KINGDOM BE THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED REDEMPTION?Now, all his hopes are pinned on director Gowtam Tinnanuri's upcoming duology, 'Kingdom'. Set to hit cinemas on July 31, 2025, 'Kingdom's' success will reaffirm the actor's market standing, which has been facing consecutive 'Kingdom' appears to be a return to the intense, character-driven storytelling that originally made Deverakonda a star, it is also home to some intense beats which Vijay Deverakonda has pulled off in the past. Planned as a two-part film series with music by Anirudh Ravichander, the action drama should give Deverkonda a much-needed respite. 'Kingdom' is much more than just another film for Deverakonda – its success could mean a potential career resurrection. The actor's journey from the heights of 'Arjun Reddy' to the lows of recent failures demonstrates how quickly fortunes can change in the world of cinema. If the film is rich in authenticity and has the emotional connect that Gowtam Tinnanuri's 'Jersey' had, it would strike gold at the box rise, slump, and potential redemption of Vijay Deverakonda serves as a reminder that in cinema, talent alone isn't enough – it's the marriage of the right story, the right moment, and the right audience that creates lasting success. 'Kingdom' will determine whether Vijay Deverakonda can reclaim his position as one of Telugu cinema's most compelling performers.- EndsTune InMust Watch
New Indian Express
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Vishnu: I'm still half-baked at work
How did your journey in films begin? Honestly, I was never really into films. Even now, I feel like I'm still half-baked at work! I began as a photographer right after college. Some of my college friends from Hyderabad Public School were connected to Tharun Bhascker. One of his friends, who was also a photographer, needed an assistant and I jumped at the opportunity. Through Kishore, I met Tharun and started shooting with him. Pelli Choopulu came later, but before that, one of Tharun's friends made a short film Four Is A Mob, and Tharun saw me in it. He pitched me in Sainma, and that opened doors. But I knew I wasn't ready. I lacked confidence in acting and tried everything to avoid film sets. Funny thing, Tharun offered me a role in Pelli Choopulu as a photographer named Vishnu. It was practically written for me, but due to some delays, I couldn't do it. I was present throughout the film's making, though, and watching everyone else act, I felt a strange jealousy. Vijay Deverakonda, who I knew from college, told me I should've done it and pitched me Taxiwaala. I auditioned, got selected, and received some good feedback. But that set was nothing like Tharun's, it felt too mechanical. The project dragged for over a year, and I lost interest again. Then, a friend from Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi offered me Skylab with Nithya Menen. I shot one day, and COVID hit. Eventually, we resumed, and I was stuck at a director friend's place. We'd exchange ideas daily. Skylab didn't do well commercially, but working with Nithya ma'am taught me so much, her eye for detail, her professionalism. Then came MAD. Director Kalyan Shankar was excited and told me, 'We start shooting in three days.' I needed the work, so I said yes. They liked what I did on day 1. Around the same time, Tharun asked me to read a script. I suggested I do the role of Sikandar instead, he liked the idea, gave me audition material, and I worked hard. He approved it, and that's how Keedaa Cola happened. It all felt like Sainma again. MAD and Keedaa broke the shackles for me. They gave me the confidence I never had. Then MAD 2 came along, and we just wanted to make something funny. Looking back, I realise what Tharun sowed in me and during Sainma it really took root. That's a life lesson, I owe him a lot.
