“Guys, it’s just a movie”: When Vijay Deverakonda opened up about 'Arjun Reddy' criticisms

Vijay Deverakonda, known for his intense performance in Arjun Reddy’, once candidly addressed the widespread debate surrounding the film.

During an appearance on Koffee With Karan alongside his ‘Liger’ co-star Ananya Panday, Vijay shared his thoughts on the movie’s polarizing impact.
While Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s directorial was praised for its raw storytelling, it was also criticized for promoting toxic masculinity. Addressing these concerns, Vijay admitted that the backlash was unexpected. “I knew Arjun Reddy would push boundaries, but I didn’t expect it to become a national debate,” he confessed. “People either loved it or hated it—there was no in-between.”
However, Vijay stood by the film, clarifying that it was never intended as a guidebook for life. “It’s a story about a flawed man, not a hero,” he explained. “We don’t glorify his mistakes; we just show them. Life isn’t always black and white, and neither are our characters.”

Vijay recalled how some of his fans even tried to emulate the character’s behavior. “I had to tell them, ‘Guys, it’s just a movie. Don’t ruin your lives!’” he said, acknowledging the responsibility filmmakers hold in shaping societal narratives.
One of the standout moments of the conversation was when Karan asked if Vijay could ever relate to Arjun Reddy in real life. Without hesitation, Vijay responded, “I would never raise my hand. If it reaches a point where I feel such anger towards a woman, I will walk away.” His firm stance highlighted a stark contrast between the actor and the role he portrayed.
Despite the criticism, Vijay remains unapologetic about the film’s impact. “The goal is to spark conversations, not just preach,” he remarked. Released in 2017, ‘Arjun Reddy’ became a box office success, grossing over Rs 51 crore globally.
Meanwhile, Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Bollywood debut film ‘Animal’ starring Ranbir Kapoor in lead, also received several criticisms even though the film turned out to be a blockbuster.