In the glittering world of South Indian cinema, where the likes of Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, and Ajith Kumar reign supreme, the magnetic presence of a superstar is often prefixed with reverential titles. Vijay Deverakonda, the ever-charismatic star, beloved for his eclectic roles and emphatic screen presence, is no exception to this cultural homage. Despite the industry’s penchant for classic epithets, Deverakonda’s producers have long urged him to embrace a moniker that befits his stature. However, it seems the actor has had a different vision for how he would like to be distinguished.
Until recently, Deverakonda seemed unfazed by the title tradition, perhaps content to be recognized by his birth name. Things took an amusing turn when ‘The Vijay Deverakonda’ emerged as his self-proclaimed new identity. With an unassuming prefix ‘The’, he humorously declared that since all coveted titles, including Thala, Thalapathy, Thalaivar, and Superstar were already synonymous with other legends, he decided to carve his own unique path. “I am happy with the name my Mum and Dad gave me and it is enough. There is only one Vijay Deverakonda and he is The Vijay Deverakonda. So, we’ve managed to restrict it that way,” he shared, resonating a distinctive brand of self-assuredness and originality.
The trend of ascriptive titles among South Indian stars has a rich history, a testament to the inimitable bond between the actors and their ardent followers. It underlines a mutual honor; the fans elevate their heroes to an almost divine status while the stars carry these titles as badges of honor. In stepping away from convention, Deverakonda’s lighthearted spin on the tradition has not only underscored his own individuality but also subtly noted the reverence he maintains for the industry giants that came before him.
In the fluctuating realms of filmmaking, it was not long ago that plans for the widely anticipated sequel to the hit 2005 film ‘No Entry’ were making the rounds. The initial blueprint had envisioned a starry returning cast featuring Anil Kapoor, among others. The sequel, baptized ‘No Entry Mein Entry’, promised to renew the comical escapades of three philandering husbands. However, pivot to a fresh creative vision, director Anees Bazmee and producer Boney Kapoor opted to ride the wave of new-generation stars — namely Varun Dhawan, Arjun Kapoor, and Diljit Dosanjh.
The departure from the original casting blueprint, though embraced by cinema-goers eager to witness the on-screen alchemy of the new trio, ignited discontent within the One who had expected to return to the humorous franchise. The news of the altered crew hit Anil Kapoor ahead of a formal conversation with his brother, causing a stir. “Before I could tell my brother Anil about the No Entry sequel and the cast involved, he got angry as the news was already leaked. I know he wanted to be a part of the No Entry sequel, but there was no space. I hope it all gets sorted out soon,” Boney Kapoor remarked, shedding light on the actor’s dissatisfaction. The familial tension spotlighted the tight-knit nature of the industry, where professional decisions often intersect with personal relationships.
The South Indian film industry, a vast tapestry of talent and timeless traditions, continues to evolve, as witnessed in both the playful self-styling of Vijay Deverakonda and the generational shift in Bollywood comedies. As ‘The Vijay Deverakonda’ embraces his innovated title with tongue-in-cheek pride, the enduring charisma and tenacity of these cinematic icons illustrate their evergreen appeal and influence. And as for fans, they remain ever eager to embrace both their beloved stars’ reinventions and the new faces destined to capture their imaginations on the silver screen, validating the fluidity and exuberance of the film industry.
