Vijay Deverakonda calls online backlash manufactured at Ranabaali trailer launch

Actor Vijay Deverakonda addressed the sustained online negativity directed at him during the trailer launch of his upcoming film Ranabaali in Hyderabad, dismissing it as manufactured rather than genuine public dislike. Speaking to the press on Thursday afternoon, the actor questioned whether he should change his personality or stop working because of online critics. He stated that his honesty is often mistaken for arrogance and his confidence for pride, but insisted he will not alter who he is to please trolls. According to Hindustan Times - Entertainment, the actor spoke before the event about the online chatter surrounding a box office clash between Ranabaali and Jailer 2. He pointed out that 90 percent of what he faces is coordinated, noting that small groups operate multiple accounts to push identical reels suggesting audiences should watch Jailer 2 instead of Ranabaali. He argued that when fifty reels repeat the exact same opinion back to back, it is a manufactured system rather than organic audience sentiment. Addressing the individuals behind these online campaigns, Deverakonda warned that they will soon be replaced by artificial intelligence, which will do the same job faster and cheaper. He explained that it took him seven years in the film industry, spanning from his debut in Pelli Choopulu to the backlashes after Arjun Reddy and Liger, to fully understand how this system works and stop taking it personally.

Context

Online trolling and coordinated negative social media campaigns have become a frequent challenge for prominent film stars across the Indian film industry, often flaring up around major box office clashes. Ranabaali is directed by Rahul Sankrityan and stars Vijay Deverakonda alongside Rashmika Mandanna, with the film set for release on October 16.