I like trolls who spend their time on me: Vijay Deverakonda
- IndiaGlitz, [Tuesday,February 11 2020]
Vijay Deverakonda awaits the release of 'World Famous Lover' on February 14. In this interview, he talks about the film, why he doesn't want to do love stories any more, why he is happy with 'Dear Comrade', his movie with Puri Jagannadh, inspiring a generation and more.
A new person is going to come
Unless a drastic phase change happens in my career, I won't be doing another love story after 'WFL'. Three months from now, you will see a new Vijay Deverakonda in terms of the kind of cinema I will be doing, the stories I want to tell, the person I am.
A new kind of film
No matter what is the genre of a movie, if I am sporting a beard, people compare it with 'Arjun Reddy'. Since 'AR' was a blockbuster and a crazy good film, I am not hurt that people bring it all the time. I have been showing variations in my films. In 'WFL', there are three types of love stories and only one of them is somewhat close to the one you saw in 'AR'. It's a unique film that is in a different space altogether. I have never seen a film in this format before 'AR'. This film is totally director Kranthi Madhav's brainchild. Jayakrishna Gummadi, the cinematographer, has made it all the more special.
A comprehensive love film
The film pretty much coves all kinds of stories. It was exciting to play Seenayya, who romances Suvarna (Aishwarya Rajesh). I never knew such kinds of people exist. Then there is the love story set in Paris, which is a total contrast. A story is set in a college and it involves Raashi Khanna.
One of the toughest movies
At the end of the day, 'WFL' is about love. Love is about sacrifice, it's divine, there is more to love. The conflict in the story is that he doesn't know what love is. If I reveal more, the curiosity factor will go away. It's one of the hardest movies I have done, both physically and mentally. The shoot was spread over a long duration, given that the physical appearance is different for the three roles. I enjoyed playing Seenayya the most.
Title justification
The title of the film is related to a dialogue in the movie. 'Priyam' and 'Mumbai Theeram' were considered as titles. We couldn't shoot in Mumbai for some reason. As long as collections are good, I don't have a problem with the title.
I am not ready for marriage
There was a time when I used to think of love as a nonsensical concept. I have seen people falling in love with more than two individuals at two different phases of their life. What if they had met the two individuals at the same time? Love can be what your family members give you and you give them. My opinion about marriage has been the same. I am not yet ready for marriage. I see myself as a kid although I am 30. Marriage is a huge responsibility for which you have to be mentally ready.
Feel more responsible about 'WFL'
As an actor, I am obligated to promote my movie only in some ways. In the case of 'Dear Comrade', I pushed myself and did music concerts because I loved the songs. I wanted to be minimal with promotions for 'WFL'. But my mind changed when I saw huge enthusiastic crowds at the film's pre-release event. I feel responsible now. I was nobody in the past.
Happy about advance bookings
I just came to know that advance bookings for 'WFL' are superb. I only have a feeling of gratitude and I owe the audience good films. This is my 9th film. Most of them were with new directors. When you work with newcomers, you have to give your all. I just want to be excited. I don't feel any pressure even when expectations are high. I can't ask for more.
It's a rage on YouTube
'Dear Comrade' has become a rage in Nepal after its YouTube release. People in Mumbai are calling me Bobby! It was a story I wanted to tell. Although it didn't receive the right sort of reviews, I will always be proud of doing it. I and Rashmika Mandanna have got our due. Theatrical run is not the only parameter. A film's life cycle goes beyond. There are other avenues through which it can get its due.
On Puri's film
Puri Jagannadh garu's movie is not about love. There is a love story yes, but that is not the whole thing. I have had to shoot for long hours for this movie. I am so excited that I am feeling a tingling sensation doing it. I will dub for the Hindi version. As a Hyderabadi, I am comfortable with the language.
No issues with trolls
As long as conversations are around you, you shouldn't bother about trolling. If someone is making memes on you, it means they are thinking about you always. Constructive criticism is to be loved. Random, stupid criticism puts me off.
Want to inspire this generation
We have been mentally conditioned to fear everything. When I wanted to become an actor, people discouraged me by showing my dad as an example. He tried and failed. I have become an actor, am going pan-India, have started a clothing line, and a production house. I will change one generation that is growing up. Kids aged 10-15 will be changed. It's my duty. They will get inspired by me.
I am a control freak who is never happy unless I do everything by myself. I am responsible for my hits and misses.