Vijay Deverakonda, who shot to fame with Arjun Reddy, has finally made peace with the film’s lasting impact on his career. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, the actor candidly expressed that he no longer wishes for audiences to forget Arjun Reddy. Instead, he wants to add more memorable performances to his filmography, without feeling burdened by the success of his 2017 breakthrough.
The actor compared his situation with that of Hollywood icon Leonardo DiCaprio and his association with Titanic. “I will always remember Leonardo DiCaprio’s Titanic, but that doesn’t mean he cannot or will not do other good work,” said Vijay. “People can have that kind of relationship with me and their fondness for me because of Arjun Reddy. So I have left that battle aside.”
It’s a major shift in mindset for the star, who earlier struggled with the shadow that Arjun Reddy cast over his subsequent work.
From Nuvvila to Arjun Reddy: The Journey of a Star
Vijay made his acting debut with Nuvvila, but it was Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Arjun Reddy that transformed him into a national sensation. He portrayed a brilliant but emotionally volatile surgeon—an alcoholic, self-destructive man grappling with love and loss. The performance was raw, intense, and unforgettable.
The film also starred Shalini Pandey in the lead and had a supporting cast that included Rahul Ramakrishna, Jia Sharma, Sanjay Swaroop, and Kanchana. Despite criticism over its portrayal of toxic masculinity and substance abuse, the film was a massive box office success, earning ₹51 crore globally.
While the film polarized opinions, it cemented Vijay Deverakonda’s image as a powerful and unconventional actor. However, that popularity came with a downside—he found himself constantly compared to Arjun Reddy, and many expected him to either recreate or surpass the impact of that performance.
Vijay’s New Philosophy: Add, Don’t Replace
Speaking about how his perception has changed over time, Vijay recalled a moment that made him appreciate the audience’s emotional connection to Arjun Reddy. At a friend’s house, he met fans who came just to meet him because of that film. That encounter helped him embrace the legacy of his most iconic role.
“I used to fight it because I thought I had to do something better so people would forget Arjun Reddy,” he explained. “But now I feel the goal isn’t to replace it—it’s to build on it. Let them love Arjun Reddy and also love the films I do next.”
It’s a mature outlook and a sign that the actor is ready to evolve, both personally and professionally.
What’s Next? Kingdom on the Horizon
Vijay Deverakonda is now preparing for the release of his upcoming action thriller Kingdom, directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri. The film features Satyadev, Bhagyashri Borse, and Koushik Mahata in key roles. It’s set to hit theatres on July 31, and fans are eagerly awaiting to see if it will mark another career-defining moment for Vijay.
With Kingdom, he hopes to add another feather to his cap, showing audiences that while Arjun Reddy may be unforgettable, there’s much more he has to offer. Vijay Deverakonda’s acceptance of Arjun Reddy as a permanent part of his identity is not only refreshing but also inspiring. Like DiCaprio with Titanic, Vijay is ready to use his iconic role as a foundation, not a limitation. As he focuses on making meaningful cinema, fans can look forward to a new era of performances that will continue to surprise and impress.
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