Vijay Deverakonda’s latest theatrical outing has been labeled a “disaster” by noted film critic and analyst Anand, whose sharp remarks have ignited a fresh debate within the Telugu film industry. Speaking at a private industry gathering on Saturday, Anand did not hold back his disappointment, delivering what many are calling a shocking verdict on the actor’s most recent release. While he refrained from naming specific box-office figures, his choice of words - referring to the project as a complete failure - has already sent ripples across fan circles and trade analysts alike.
Anand, who is widely recognized for his candid takes and has previously built a reputation on his association with the cult classic Arjun Reddy, appeared visibly frustrated when asked about the film’s performance. He argued that the movie missed the mark on almost every fundamental level, from its narrative cohesion to its execution of emotional beats. “What we witnessed on screen was not just a bad film; it was a fundamental breakdown of storytelling,” Anand said, according to sources present at the event. He went on to suggest that the project’s problems were evident long before its release, and that the final product felt rushed and lacking in conviction.
The criticism takes on added weight given Anand’s history. As someone who has been closely linked to the raw, intense filmmaking style popularized by Arjun Reddy, his perspective carries a certain authority among Tollywood purists. He did not spare the director’s vision either, claiming that the screenplay suffered from “a complete absence of logic” and that character motivations were so poorly sketched that even a performer of Vijay Deverakonda’s caliber could not save the sinking ship. This is not the first time the analyst has been blunt, but his remarks this time were notably more personal, almost as if he felt betrayed by the final cut.
Vijay Deverakonda, who has been riding a wave of massive popularity since his breakout roles, has often been praised for his ability to pick unconventional scripts. Yet Anand’s critique suggests that this particular choice may have been a misstep. He pointed out that the actor’s inherent charisma was wasted in a role that demanded none of the intensity or vulnerability that made him a household name. “It’s painful to watch a star of his stature walk through a film as if he’s waiting for it to end,” Anand added, drawing audible gasps from the room. He further implied that the actor’s recent string of commercial projects may be diluting the very edge that set him apart in the first place.
The industry is now buzzing with speculation about whether these comments will affect the film’s already declining theatrical run. Early trade reports indicate that the movie opened to mixed-to-negative word of mouth, with footfalls dropping significantly after the first weekend. Multiplex owners in Hyderabad and Vijayawada have reportedly started shifting screenings to other titles, a clear sign that audience interest is waning. However, no official numbers have been released by the production house, and the team behind the film has remained silent on Anand’s outburst.
Interestingly, Anand did offer a small sliver of hope. He noted that Vijay Deverakonda remains one of the few young actors in Tollywood with genuine star power and that a single failure does not erase his talent. “The actor is not the problem. The system that pushes him into safe, formulaic zones is,” he clarified, urging the star to return to the kind of risk-taking roles that initially built his brand. He also suggested that the film’s disastrous reception could serve as a wake-up call for the entire crew, a moment of reflection that might lead to better choices in the future.
For now, the debate rages on social media, with fans split between defending their favorite hero and accepting the harsh reality of the film’s poor reception. Hashtags calling for a boycott have trended intermittently, but so have counter-movements praising Vijay’s performance despite the weak material. The actor himself has yet to respond publicly, and his PR team has declined to comment on Anand’s statements. insiders say that Vijay is currently focusing on his next project, a high-budget action drama that is expected to go into production later this year.
Industry observers note that Anand’s comments could have lasting implications beyond this single release. Telugu cinema has been undergoing a period of intense scrutiny, with audiences becoming increasingly selective about what they pay to see in theaters. The success of small, content-driven films alongside big-budget spectacles has created a volatile market where even established stars are not immune to failure. If anything, Anand’s outburst is a reflection of that changing tide - a reminder that star power alone cannot mask a weak script.
Whether this controversy will ultimately hurt or help the film’s long-term streaming prospects remains to be seen. Digital platforms often acquire such titles for a fraction of their theatrical cost, and a polarizing critical reception rarely affects OTT viewership numbers. But for now, the immediate narrative is dominated by Anand’s scathing words. His comparison of the film to a “disaster” is likely to stick, especially if subsequent weekend collections continue to disappoint.
In the coming days, all eyes will be on Vijay Deverakonda’s official response, if any. The actor has built a career on being outspoken and emotionally transparent, so a public rebuttal would not be surprising. Yet given the severity of the criticism, a measured silence might actually serve him better. As the dust settles, one thing is certain: the conversation around this movie is far from over, and Anand’s comments have ensured that it will be remembered for reasons its makers never intended.
Source: Filmibeat Telugu