6 days ago
Vijay Deverakonda refused the opportunity to act in Kuberaa. Here's why
Before Dhanush stepped into the rugged shoes of 'Kuberaa's' central character, Deva, the role was originally offered to another South star - Vijay Deverakonda. India Today exclusively learnt that the actor politely declined the film, citing concerns that the audience might not resonate with him playing a beggar.A source close to the development told India Today, 'Vijay was the first actor the makers approached. They were keen on casting someone with mass appeal, and Vijay fit the bill perfectly. But he had reservations about how his core audience would perceive the character.'advertisementThe film, directed by National Award-winner Sekhar Kammula, explores the gritty underworld through the eyes of a man who rises from the streets - literally. The character spends a significant portion of the narrative living as a beggar, a dramatic shift from the kind of larger-than-life roles Vijay is known for.
'He didn't want to risk alienating his fan base,' the source added. 'Vijay is extremely aware of his image, and he felt that the audience might reject his role. A subdued, powerless role felt like a misfit to him at this point in his career.' Vijay had earlier worked with Sekhar in 'Life is Beautiful'. He had a cameo in the film. Ultimately, the role landed with Dhanush, who has been widely applauded for his powerful and immersive performance.'Kuberaa', which released on June 20, opened to strong reviews and has made a solid mark at the box office, raking in over Rs 125 crores worldwide. As the film continues to soar, the casting decision seems to have worked out exactly as it should.- EndsMust Watch
