At a promotional event in Chennai, Deverakonda revealed his immense love for Anirudh and his thoughts about competition and feminism.
Vijay Deverakonda interacting with the press in Chennai during 'Kushi' promotions. (Supplied)
Extremely outspoken, sharp, and witty, actor Vijay Deverakonda left the people of Chennai in awe by saying that if there was one person he really loved and would want to kidnap, it would be music director Anirudh.
He was addressing an event organised to promote his upcoming film Kushi which will hit the screens on 1 September.
When asked about one talent that the Telugu film industry is missing, the actor replied, “We have superstars here (in Tamil Nadu) and there (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana). We have extremely talented directors, too. But if there is one guy that I really love and would want to kidnap, it is Anirudh. I don’t have him there.”
Vijay Deverakonda also noted, “Putting superstars and superstar directors aside, if I could lift and take Anirudh, I would do it. That man is gifted to another level. I have never met him, but I love his work so much.”
Telugu actor Vijay Deverakonda. (Supplied)
He further remarked, “In Telugu, out of love, they have a sweet name for him. They call him “Bakkodu” (Skinny Boy). So, Skinny Boy is shaking the world. I think he should be protected, and if you ask me who is my favourite, I will bluntly say Anirudh.”
So, why does Deverakonda take the names of only big directors? Is he even aware of the young talent in the Tamil film industry?
Well, the actor was quick to answer: “I love Arun Prabhu who made Aruvi (2017). I love Shree Karthick who made his debut recently. I also love Arun Matheswaran who is making Captain Miller.”
He added, “I know the talent here. When I am asked who my favourite director is, I answer out of respect. Otherwise, I never take anybody’s name by myself because I don’t think it is right.”
Who does he consider to be his rival in the industry?
“Everybody is my competition. Nobody is a rival. Everybody is a competition, and that is good. You just need to have people doing good work,” Vijay Deverakonda observed.
The Kushi actor further elaborated, “Only when director SS Rajamouli gave us Baahubali (2015 & 2017), we decided that it was where we had to at least aim; that it is possible and that we could reach there. Everybody improved their game since then. Every time an actor does well, it inspires you to go to work harder to make better films. So, competition is something that I love.”
Couldn’t wait till Sept 1st to start spreading #Kushi 🤍
So we started. And it was something else!#Kushi#KushiMusicalConcert pic.twitter.com/QyjuLKH4pi
— Vijay Deverakonda (@TheDeverakonda) August 18, 2023
On several occasions, the actor has been questioned about his thoughts on feminism and if he identifies himself as a feminist.
When asked if he felt he was being bullied into calling himself a feminist, Vijay Deverakonda said, “I do not like calling myself a feminist. I am just a chilled-out guy who thinks that everyone should live and let live.”
Vijay Deverakonda says music director Anirudh is his favourite in Kollywood. (Supplied)
He asserted, “Firstly, I’ve never been bullied — even as a five-year-old. So, bullying isn’t an option. Secondly, my director knows his job well and has put a particular dialogue there in the trailer of Kushi.”
The actor noted, “That dialogue is creating conversation. It is a point of view of the character and is meant to engage people. I don’t mind playing along.”
About the terminology, he clarified, “About me as a person, I think feminism and misogyny are all words that I have learnt in the last few years. I don’t know that we have all been categorised into sections like this. I don’t know where I stand exactly.”
Vijay Deverakonda hastened to add, “Everyone should be able to do what they want to do with their lives and be happy. I hate anything being dictated to me. And I don’t think anything should be dictated to anybody.”
So, when is he doing a straight Tamil film?
“I recently signed two more films apart from the two projects I am currently working on, after Kushi. One of the two is with a Tamil director. I do not know if it will be made in Tamil or Telugu,” he signed off.
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