Popular actor Vijay Deverakonda has landed in legal controversy after his remarks at the pre-release event of his upcoming film Retro allegedly offended the Adivasi community.
A formal complaint has been filed by Hyderabad-based lawyer Kishan Lal Chauhan at the SR Nagar police station. The complaint accuses Deverakonda of making derogatory comments that hurt the sentiments of the indigenous Adivasi population. The incident stems from a speech where the actor, while speaking about the country’s socio-political landscape, drew comparisons to clashes involving Adivasis from 500 years ago, suggesting they were compelled to apologize for past actions. The statement has been deemed insensitive and insulting by members of the community.
The police have initiated a preliminary investigation into the matter. No official statement has been released by Deverakonda or his representatives as of now.
The controversy comes at a crucial time for the actor, who is gearing up for the release of his much-anticipated film Kingdom, directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri. The film, which features Bhagyashree Borshe as the female lead, is scheduled to hit theatres on May 30.
Public sentiment on social media remains divided, with calls for accountability from some quarters and defense from fans who claim the actor’s comments were misinterpreted.
Further developments are awaited as the investigation continues.