Vijay Deverakonda has carved a unique space in Tollywood, gaining a huge fan base with his versatile performances. Known for his intense roles and compelling screen presence, he has delivered a mix of blockbusters and box-office misses. Deverakonda, acclaimed for films like Arjun Reddy, Geetha Govindam, and Dear Comrade, most recently appeared in a cameo in the sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD, directed by Nag Ashwin.
Here’s a closer look at Deverakonda’s career, exploring his hits and misses over the years.
Pelli Choopulu
Deverakonda’s debut as a lead actor came with Pelli Choopulu, a romantic comedy directed by Tharun Bhascker. Co-starring Ritu Varma, this lighthearted film tells the story of a young man with dreams who stumbles upon his love interest in a twist of fate. Pelli Choopulu turned out to be a surprise hit, winning the hearts of audiences and critics alike. The film’s refreshing storyline and Deverakonda’s charming performance solidified his place as a promising newcomer, marking his career’s first major success.
Arjun Reddy
In 2017, Deverakonda starred in Arjun Reddy, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, which became one of his most iconic roles. The film, centered around a volatile surgeon dealing with heartbreak and anger issues, created a storm across Indian cinema. Though it faced criticism for allegedly glorifying toxic masculinity, Arjun Reddy became a cult favorite, praised for its raw storytelling and Deverakonda’s intense portrayal of the titular character. This bold performance catapulted him into fame, and the film achieved blockbuster status.
Geetha Govindam
Another highlight in Deverakonda’s career, Geetha Govindam showcased his lighter, romantic side. Paired with Rashmika Mandanna and directed by Parasuram, the film follows a young lecturer trying to prove his sincerity to the woman he loves, despite a series of misunderstandings. Released in 2018, Geetha Govindam was a massive success, appealing to audiences with its humor and romance, and quickly became a blockbuster. This film solidified Deverakonda’s reputation as a versatile actor who could handle diverse roles with ease.
Dear Comrade
Dear Comrade, released in 2019, was a departure from Deverakonda’s previous hits, as it took on a more serious tone. Reuniting with Rashmika Mandanna, Deverakonda played a student leader with a fierce sense of justice. While the film explored themes of personal growth, love, and societal issues, it failed to perform at the box office, classified as a flop. Despite this, Dear Comrade became popular over time, gaining a cult following for its message and Deverakonda’s intense performance.
World Famous Lover
In World Famous Lover, Deverakonda took on dual roles, portraying both Gautham and Seenayya. This romantic drama, released in 2020, featured Raashii Khanna as one of his love interests and presented a complex narrative of love, heartbreak, and redemption. However, the film did not resonate with audiences and was ultimately deemed a box office flop. Though World Famous Lover allowed Deverakonda to experiment with different characters, it didn’t deliver the impact audiences expected from him.
Liger
The highly anticipated Liger, directed by Puri Jagannadh and released in 2022, marked Deverakonda’s Bollywood debut. He played a dual role, portraying both a fighter and his son, with Ananya Panday as his co-star. While the film had a lot of buzz and hype before its release, it was met with poor reviews and failed to make a mark at the box office. Liger turned out to be one of Deverakonda’s most high-profile flops, though it showcased his commitment to taking on challenging roles.
Complete Verdict of Vijay Deverakonda’s Filmography
Here’s a comprehensive verdict on Vijay Deverakonda’s film career so far, listing his successes and misses at the box office:
| Movie | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Pelli Choopulu | Super Hit |
| Dwaraka | Flop |
| Arjun Reddy | Blockbuster |
| Geetha Govindam | Blockbuster |
| NOTA | Flop |
| Taxiwaala | Hit |
| Dear Comrade | Flop |
| World Famous Lover | Flop |
| Liger | Flop |
| Kushi | Semi-Hit |
| The Family Star | Flop |
This list highlights the varied trajectory of Deverakonda’s career, showcasing a blend of major hits, flops, and a few moderate successes.
What’s Next for Vijay Deverakonda?
With 11 films under his belt as a lead, Vijay Deverakonda is now working on his 12th film, tentatively titled VD12. The project has generated excitement among fans, especially since Deverakonda is known for taking on diverse and challenging roles. During filming, Deverakonda reportedly suffered a minor injury while performing an action sequence. However, his dedication remains strong, as he has continued shooting despite this setback.
For Deverakonda, the journey in Tollywood and now Bollywood has been marked by notable successes and a few setbacks, but his commitment to his craft is undeniable. He has managed to connect with fans across India, whether through his charismatic romantic roles or intense, dramatic performances. As VD12 approaches, fans eagerly anticipate how Deverakonda will surprise them next and whether his upcoming film will add another hit to his resume. With each project, Deverakonda proves that he is not only a resilient actor but also one who continues to redefine his boundaries, making him one of the most promising stars in Indian cinema today.
Legacy of Versatility and Risk-Taking
Vijay Deverakonda’s career path has been shaped by his willingness to experiment. From his breakthrough with Arjun Reddy, which challenged conventional storytelling, to his lighter ventures like Geetha Govindam, he has consistently taken on diverse roles. Even in projects that didn’t succeed at the box office, such as Dear Comrade and World Famous Lover, Deverakonda remained committed to his characters, often immersing himself in emotionally intense roles that resonate with his fans.
Deverakonda’s fan base continues to grow, and his name has become synonymous with bold and daring cinema choices. His films might not always guarantee commercial success, but they certainly make an impact, drawing attention and creating conversations across the industry. By refusing to settle into any particular mold, he keeps audiences guessing about his next move.
The Path Ahead
As Vijay Deverakonda moves forward, his journey will likely continue to be one of highs and lows. However, his passion for challenging roles suggests that he’s prepared for whatever comes next. VD12 promises to showcase a new side of his talent, and as he recovers from his recent injury, fans await more updates on the film.
For now, Vijay Deverakonda remains a celebrated figure in Indian cinema, known for his resilience, charisma, and risk-taking spirit. Whether or not his films succeed at the box office, Deverakonda’s commitment to his craft and his ability to connect with audiences make him a force to be reckoned with in Tollywood and beyond. Fans can only hope that his upcoming projects will be as bold and memorable as the roles that have defined his career so far.