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Vijay Deverakonda, one of Tollywood’s biggest sensations, has always been a trendsetter both on and off screen. Known for breaking stereotypes with films like Arjun Reddy and charming millions with his rugged looks and charismatic presence, he has earned a fanbase that even Bollywood stars like Ananya Panday and Janhvi Kapoor can’t stop admiring.
However, recently, the actor found himself at the center of controversy not for a film, but for a three-letter word- ‘The’.
The Backlash Over a Tagline
In 2022, during the promotions of Liger, Vijay’s team added ‘The’ as a tag before his name. But what was meant to elevate his brand ended up backfiring spectacularly. Trolls flooded social media, mocking him for the move, especially after Liger bombed at the box office.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter India, Vijay recalled, “Interestingly, no other actor faced backlash for their tags ‘Universal Star,’ ‘Mega Star,’ and others exist. But somehow, I did.”
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Shedding the Tag and Moving Forward
Vijay revealed he initially resisted adding any tag but agreed under pressure from his team. However, after enduring months of trolling, he decided to drop it. “If ‘The’ is a problem, I don’t want it. I told my team chop it off. Vijay Deverakonda is enough. That’s how I want to be remembered nothing more, nothing less.”
Focused on the Craft
As he gears up for his next big release Kingdom on July 31, Vijay’s focus is clear- let the work speak. “I don’t even want my name on posters. Let people know my characters not me,” he said.
