Tollywood actor Vijay Deverakonda pushed back against online criticism of his upcoming film ‘Ranabaali,’ alleging that much of the negativity directed at him is manufactured. The actor also questioned social media posts claiming audiences would prefer Rajinikanth’s ‘Jailer 2’ over his Telugu film, which releases a day later.Vijay made the remarks during a press interaction in Hyderabad on Thursday, ahead of the trailer launch of ‘Ranabaali.’ Directed by Rahul Sankrityan, the film stars Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna. It is scheduled to release in theaters on October 16, while Nelson Dilipkumar’s ‘Jailer 2,’ starring Rajinikanth, arrives on October 15.
Vijay Deverakonda refuses to change for online trolls
When asked about the criticism he faces on social media, Vijay questioned whether he should change his personality to satisfy people who disapprove of him.“Should I stop because someone thinks my dreams and hard work are unnecessary? Should I start acting because someone thinks my honesty comes off as arrogance? Should I step back because someone thinks my self-confidence comes across as pride? If they cannot digest my journey, must I sit at home?” he asked, as quoted by Hindustan Times.Vijay also urged people to concentrate on their own lives instead of criticizing others. He said personal growth and family responsibilities deserved greater attention.“I won’t change; they’re the ones who need to. I wish people concentrated on bettering themselves for their families. I enjoy success stories a lot,” the actor said.
Actor claims 90% of online hate is manufactured
Vijay argued that much of the criticism directed at him should not be considered genuine hate. He alleged that coordinated activity was responsible for a significant portion of the negative comments appearing online.“First of all, we can’t even call it hate. Because 90% of it is manufactured. There’s a batch that drops Reels at a time that they’d rather watch Jailer 2 over Ranabaali, despite it being a Telugu film,” he said.
Vijay Deverakonda says trolls are allegedly paid to target him
The actor also addressed the people he believes are behind the alleged campaigns. He suggested that those paying individuals to post negative content could eventually stop doing so as artificial intelligence takes over such tasks.“People can have opinions, but if you see the same opinion everywhere, it’s manufactured. What they must understand is that the attacks they’re paid for today, AI will do tomorrow. No one can stop it. The person paying them will stop,” Vijay said.
The actor questions the use of social media
Vijay also spoke about how social media could be used more constructively. He questioned why online platforms were being used to bring people down instead of promoting positive initiatives.“Use social media to promote and better things. What is the point of using it to bring down someone? But that’s the world we live in. What to do?” he added.The actor’s comments came as discussion around ‘Ranabaali’ increasingly overlapped with comparisons to ‘Jailer 2.’ However, Vijay maintained that he would not change himself to appease online critics.
‘Ranabaali’ and ‘Jailer 2’ to release a day apart
‘Jailer 2,’ directed by Nelson Dilipkumar and headlined by Rajinikanth, is scheduled to release on October 15. ‘Ranabaali,’ featuring Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna, will reach theaters on October 16 under the direction of Rahul Sankrityan.In comparison, the expectation levels are high for the Rajinikanth starrer among the audiences.