Indian actor Vijay Deverakonda has hit back at online trolls, saying he will not change his personality or career choices to satisfy critics who view his confidence as arrogance.
Speaking to reporters in Hyderabad ahead of the trailer launch of Ranabaali, directed by Rahul Sankrityan, Vijay addressed the criticism he regularly faces on social media. The film stars Vijay alongside Rashmika Mandanna.
Asked about the online negativity surrounding him, the actor questioned why he should abandon his ambitions or change his behaviour to accommodate people who disapprove of his journey.
“Should I stop because someone thinks my dreams and hard work are unnecessary?” he asked, adding that he would not step away from his goals simply because others interpreted his self-confidence as pride.
“I won’t change; they’re the ones who need to,” Vijay said, urging people to concentrate on improving their own lives and doing better for their families.
Actor claims much of the online criticism is manufactured
Vijay also questioned whether the criticism directed at him should be considered genuine hate, claiming that much of the negativity was deliberately generated.
“First of all, we can’t even call it hate. Because 90% of it is manufactured,” he said.
The actor suggested that repeated negative opinions across social media platforms could indicate coordinated activity rather than independent reactions from individual users.
Vijay addresses chatter around Ranabaali and Jailer 2
Vijay also discussed online comparisons between Ranabaali and Jailer 2, the film associated with actor Rajinikanth and director Nelson Dilipkumar.
He claimed that some social media accounts repeatedly post messages expressing a preference for Jailer 2 over his Telugu film.
“People can have opinions, but if you see the same opinion everywhere, it’s manufactured,” he said.
Vijay further suggested that artificial intelligence could eventually replace people paid to carry out online attacks, arguing that those financing such campaigns might no longer need to hire individuals to do the work.
“The attacks they’re paid for today, AI will do tomorrow,” he said.
