Lights, camera, and the whirlwind charisma that sweeps us off our feet - welcome to the captivating world of Vijay Deverakonda! In the realm of Indian cinema, where stars shine bright and narratives come alive, few have managed to captivate audiences and leave an indelible mark quite like this enigmatic actor. With his unconventional approach, raw talent, and unapologetic authenticity, Vijay Deverakonda has become a force to be reckoned with in the realm of Telugu cinema. From his breakthrough role in the game-changing "Arjun Reddy" to his trailblazing projects that challenge societal norms, Vijay has carved a niche for himself and emerged as a true cinematic maverick.
Buckle up as we explore the world of Vijay Deverakonda, where dreams are chased, boundaries are broken, and the reel merges seamlessly with reality. Get ready to witness the unparalleled charm and talent of a superstar who is redefining the contours of Telugu cinema, one iconic role at a time.
Family and Education
Vijay Deverakonda, whose full name is Deverakonda Vijay Sai, is a renowned actor in the Telugu film industry. He was born on born 9 May 1989 in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh (now Telangana), to his parents Govardhan Rao and Madhavi. The Deverakonda family hails from Thummanpeta village, which was part of the erstwhile Mahbubnagar district and is now part of Nagarkurnool. Vijay's father, Govardhan Rao, worked as a television serial director but decided to quit due to a lack of success. Despite the challenges faced by his father, Vijay's passion for acting was nurtured in this creative environment, and it eventually led him to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Vijay's younger brother, Anand Devarakonda, also followed in his footsteps and entered the Telugu film industry as an actor. Anand has made his mark with notable performances, showcasing the talent that runs in the Deverakonda family.
Vijay received his early education at Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School in Puttaparthi, where he completed his schooling until the 10th standard. Later, he attended the Little Flower Junior College in Hyderabad to pursue his intermediate studies. After completing his intermediate education, Vijay went on to earn a Bachelor of Commerce degree.
Having a strong interest in acting, Vijay Deverakonda ventured into the world of Telugu cinema and made a significant impact with his talent and charismatic screen presence. His dedication and commitment to his craft have earned him a massive fan following in a relatively short span of time.
Movie Career The Breakthrough
Vijay Deverakonda's breakthrough in the Telugu film industry can be attributed to a series of notable projects that showcased his talent and versatility as an actor. Although he made his debut in 2011 with the romantic comedy “Nuvvila”, it was his subsequent roles that truly propelled him to stardom. In 2012, he appeared in a minor role in Sekhar Kammula's “Life is Beautiful”. However, it was his encounter with director Nag Ashwin that proved to be a turning point in his career. Ashwin recognized Vijay’s potential and cast him in a supporting role in the 2015 coming-of-age drama “Yevade Subramanyam”, alongside actor Nani. The film, produced by Ashwini Dutt's daughters Priyanka and Swapna Dutt, provided Vijay with a platform to showcase his acting skills and gained him recognition in the industry.
However, it was Vijay’s first lead role in Tharun Bhascker's “Pelli Choopulu” that truly catapulted him into the limelight. Released in 2016, the coming-of-age romance film became a commercial success and garnered critical acclaim. It won the prestigious Filmfare Award for Best Film - Telugu and the Best Feature Film in Telugu at the 64th National Film Awards. Vijay's portrayal of the character Ritu Varma's romantic interest received widespread appreciation, establishing him as a talented leading man.
Following this, Vijay ventured into different genres and took on diverse roles. In 2017, he starred in the masala film “Dwaraka”, showcasing his versatility as an actor. However, it was his portrayal of the titular character in the romantic drama “Arjun Reddy” that truly made waves in the industry. The film, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, generated both praise and criticism for its bold and radical storytelling. Nevertheless, Vijay's performance as a self-destructive, short-tempered, and alcoholic surgeon was hailed by critics and audiences alike. He received widespread critical acclaim, and his portrayal earned him the prestigious Filmfare Award for Best Actor - Telugu. In fact, Vijay Deverakonda's performance in Arjun Reddy was recognized as one of the "100 Greatest Performances of the Decade" by Film Companion in 2019, further solidifying his status as a remarkable actor.
Success
Vijay Deverakonda's journey in the Telugu film industry has been marked by a mix of successes and challenges. After his breakthrough performance in “Arjun Reddy”, he continued to explore diverse roles and genres, showcasing his versatility as an actor. In 2018, he starred in “Ye Mantram Vesave”, a film that faced delays in its release and eventually hit theatres in 2018, five years after its intended release date. Although the film didn't make a significant impact, it marked another step in Vijay's career.
He then appeared in “Mahanati”, a biographical film that revolved around the life of legendary actress Savitri. Although his role in the film was not the lead, it was a significant project that allowed him to be part of a critically acclaimed and commercially successful film. The same year, he starred in “Geetha Govindam”, a romantic comedy produced by Geetha Arts. In the film, he portrayed the character of an innocent and nervous college professor. The movie received mixed-to-positive reviews upon its release but turned out to be a major commercial success, showcasing Vijay's ability to engage audiences with his performance. His portrayal earned him his second nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor - Telugu.
Following “Geetha Govindam”, Vijay appeared in the Tamil political thriller “NOTA”, which unfortunately performed poorly at the box office. However, he bounced back with UV Creations' supernatural comedy thriller “Taxiwaala”, which received a positive response from audiences. In 2019, Vijay Deverakonda starred in Bharat Kamma's “Dear Comrade”, a romantic action drama that showcased his intense and passionate acting skills. He shared the screen with Rashmika Mandanna in this film, further cementing their on-screen chemistry.
Despite facing some setbacks, Vijay continued to explore different projects. He signed on for “Hero”, directed by Anand Annamalai and co-starring Malavika Mohanan. However, the film was reportedly shelved after production began, adding to the challenges he faced in his career. In 2020, he appeared in Kranthi Madhav's romantic drama “World Famous Lover”, which received negative reviews from critics. Despite the film's reception, Vijay's commitment to taking on diverse roles demonstrated his dedication to his craft.
In 2022, Vijay starred in the Hindi-Telugu bilingual film Liger, directed by Puri Jagannadh and produced by Karan Johar . While the film opened to highly negative reviews, it showcased his willingness to experiment and explore new territories. Currently, Vijay Deverakonda is working on the film “Kushi”, directed by Shiva Nirvana. Scheduled to release on 1 September 2023, this project presents another opportunity for him to captivate audiences with his performance.
Movies
| # | Movie Name | Releasing Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nuvvila | 2011 |
| 2 | Life Is Beautiful | 2012 |
| 3 | Yevade Subramanyam/td> | 2015 |
| 4 | Pelli Choopulu | 2016 |
| 5 | Dwaraka | 2017 |
| 7 | Arjun Reddy | 2017 |
| 8 | Ye Mantram Vesave | 2018 |
| 9 | Mahanati | 2018 |
| 10 | Geetha Govindam | 2018 |
| 11 | Nota | 2018 |
| 12 | Taxiwaala | 2018 |
| 13 | Dear Comrade | 2019 |
| 14 | World Famous Lover | 2020 |
| 15 | Liger | 2022 |
Achievements
| # | Award Name | Receiving Year | Received For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nandi Award (Special Jury Award) | 2015 | Yevade Subramanyam |
| 2 | Zee Golden Award for Best Actor | 2017 | Arjun Reddy |
| 3 | Filmfare Award South for Best Actor – Telugu | 2018 | Arjun Reddy |
| 4 | South Indian International Movie Award for Best Actor (Critics) – Telugu | 2019 | Geetha Govindam |
| 5 | South Indian International Movie Award for Youth Icon South (Male) | 2022 | — |
Other
Vijay Deverakonda is not only a talented actor but also a compassionate and socially conscious individual. Beyond his film career, he has been involved in various initiatives and philanthropic endeavours, making a positive impact on society. In 2018, he became the brand ambassador for the food delivery app, Zomato, showcasing his popularity and influence. He later expanded his entrepreneurial ventures by launching his own fashion brand called “Rowdy Wear” on 15 October 2018. The brand aimed to promote a sense of rebellion and individuality through its clothing line. In 2020, Rowdy Wear was made available on the popular online platform Myntra, further expanding its reach.
In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, Vijay has also shown a deep commitment to charitable causes. Following the tragic Pulwama attack in 2019, he made generous donations to the families of the victims, demonstrating his support and empathy during times of crisis. To further his philanthropic efforts, Vijay conceptualized and founded “The Deverakonda Foundation”, a non-profit organization in April 2019. Through this foundation, he has been able to extend his support to individuals and causes in need. In early 2020, he used the foundation to donate ₹24,000 to Ganesh Ambari, a kickboxer who emerged victorious in the Vaco Indian Open International Kick-boxing Championship Title 2020.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Vijay and his foundation stepped up to help those affected. The Deverakonda Foundation launched an initiative to battle the crisis, providing aid to middle-class families struggling with groceries and essentials. Through his Middle Class Fund (MCF), they spent ₹1.7 crores to support approximately 17,000 families. The initiative garnered immense support, with over ₹1.5 crores donated by more than 8,500 volunteers who joined the community effort. The impact of their work was substantial, providing much-needed relief to those most affected by the pandemic.
The initiative came to a close on 2 June 2020, having made a significant difference in the lives of many. Vijay Deverakonda's dedication to social causes and his commitment to helping others showcase his compassionate nature and his desire to make a positive change in society. He serves as an inspiration, encouraging others to use their influence and resources to uplift those in need.
Media Image
Vijay Deverakonda has cultivated a unique media image that sets him apart from his contemporaries in the film industry. Known for his candid and unfiltered personality, he has garnered both popularity and criticism for his outspoken nature. His media image is intertwined with the term "rowdy," which he adopted as a self-identifier. Growing up, his family would jokingly label him a rowdy whenever he did something they disapproved of. Eventually, Vijay embraced this term, using it to describe himself and his fans. This association with the term has contributed to his distinctive media image, portraying him as someone who challenges conventions and embraces authenticity.
One of the defining aspects of Vijay’s media image is his inclination to express his opinions openly, without holding back. Whether on stage or during interviews, he is known for his real, honest, and unfiltered approach. This genuine demeanour has resonated with a significant portion of the audience, who appreciate his willingness to speak his mind. However, it has also attracted criticism, as seen during his speech at the audio launch of “Arjun Reddy” in 2017, where he faced backlash for certain remarks. Despite the mixed responses, Vijay's candidness has contributed to his popularity and kept him in the public eye.
His media image has been acknowledged by various publications and rankings. In 2018, Vijay was listed as the 72nd celebrity in the Forbes India Celebrity 100 list. He has consistently been featured in The Times Most Desirable Men list, ranking at No. 4 in 2018, No. 3 in 2019, and No. 2 in 2020, indicating his widespread appeal and popularity. Moreover, Forbes India recognized his achievements by including him in their 30 Under 30 list, showcasing his influence and impact in the entertainment industry. Additionally, Vijay's popularity is evident in his ranking as the most-searched South Indian actor, as per Google's annual report.
Summing Up
Vijay Deverakonda's journey from his humble beginnings to becoming a prominent figure in the Telugu film industry is a testament to his hard work, determination, and artistic abilities. He continues to be a source of inspiration for aspiring actors and serves as an example of the success that can be achieved through perseverance and talent. His journey from his early appearances to his breakthrough performances showcases his determination, talent, and willingness to take on challenging roles. His ability to captivate audiences with his nuanced portrayals and his willingness to push boundaries have made him one of the most sought-after actors in the Telugu film industry. Vijay Deverakonda's success can be attributed to his ability to choose diverse roles and his dedication to delivering impactful performances. While he faced challenges along the way, his talent and determination have allowed him to establish himself as a prominent actor in the Telugu film industry.
