Latest news with #Taxiwaala
New Indian Express
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Vishnu: I'm still half-baked at work
How did your journey in films begin? Honestly, I was never really into films. Even now, I feel like I'm still half-baked at work! I began as a photographer right after college. Some of my college friends from Hyderabad Public School were connected to Tharun Bhascker. One of his friends, who was also a photographer, needed an assistant and I jumped at the opportunity. Through Kishore, I met Tharun and started shooting with him. Pelli Choopulu came later, but before that, one of Tharun's friends made a short film Four Is A Mob, and Tharun saw me in it. He pitched me in Sainma, and that opened doors. But I knew I wasn't ready. I lacked confidence in acting and tried everything to avoid film sets. Funny thing, Tharun offered me a role in Pelli Choopulu as a photographer named Vishnu. It was practically written for me, but due to some delays, I couldn't do it. I was present throughout the film's making, though, and watching everyone else act, I felt a strange jealousy. Vijay Deverakonda, who I knew from college, told me I should've done it and pitched me Taxiwaala. I auditioned, got selected, and received some good feedback. But that set was nothing like Tharun's, it felt too mechanical. The project dragged for over a year, and I lost interest again. Then, a friend from Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi offered me Skylab with Nithya Menen. I shot one day, and COVID hit. Eventually, we resumed, and I was stuck at a director friend's place. We'd exchange ideas daily. Skylab didn't do well commercially, but working with Nithya ma'am taught me so much, her eye for detail, her professionalism. Then came MAD. Director Kalyan Shankar was excited and told me, 'We start shooting in three days.' I needed the work, so I said yes. They liked what I did on day 1. Around the same time, Tharun asked me to read a script. I suggested I do the role of Sikandar instead, he liked the idea, gave me audition material, and I worked hard. He approved it, and that's how Keedaa Cola happened. It all felt like Sainma again. MAD and Keedaa broke the shackles for me. They gave me the confidence I never had. Then MAD 2 came along, and we just wanted to make something funny. Looking back, I realise what Tharun sowed in me and during Sainma it really took root. That's a life lesson, I owe him a lot.
Indian Express
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Vijay Deverakonda says he could have avoided flop movies if he came from a strong film family: ‘Now, I will not go to shoot if…'
Once hailed as India's next biggest star, Telugu actor Vijay Deverakonda's career is now a textbook example of how flying too close to the sun can scorch even the brightest stars. With not a single box office success in the past seven years, Deverakonda's 'image' is now like a shadow of his past self. However, the actor is currently eyeing a massive comeback with Kingdom, a film in which both he and his fans have placed high hopes. Recently, Deverakonda opened up about the setbacks he's faced over the years, maintaining that had he belonged to a film family with a strong foundation and guiding voices, some of his missteps might have been avoided. He also mentioned that he moved forward with certain projects despite lacking full conviction in their scripts, simply because he felt he didn't have the voice to demand refinement. Without explicitly using the word 'nepotism', he told The Hollywood Reporter India, 'I was never in a position to tell a director… I don't think people outside the industry will get this… but when you do not come from an 'establishment' of a sort and you do not have that support system, you do not have the space to tell the director that you are not ready to go to shoot yet with this script and that it needs more work.' Also Read | Jitendra Kumar reacts to kiss scene being removed from Panchayat: 'Kahani mein maza aana chahiye' He continued, 'Whereas another actor, with similar experience but has the support around him, would know from childhood itself that he doesn't have to go to shoot. Or his father will come and tell him, 'No, spend two-three more months. I'll get you two-three more writers.' I never had that space, until recently. Now, if I'm not happy with something, I talk to the producers and directors, and say that 'I will not shoot this because the producer's money, the director's career, and my face and the reputation I have built are all important.'' Earlier in his career, Deverakonda said he often went along with projects despite doubts, simply because a producer insisted or a director believed in the vision. But today, he's adopted a new approach. 'Now, I've decided that if we do it, we should all be solidly happy with it in the first place. So, that's something I've learned to do and found comfort in doing. I've found that place in life, the leverage and a sense of security to be able to have those conversations,' he added. ICYMI | Dipika Chikhlia says Arun Govil's casting as Dasharath in Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana is 'out of context': 'If you played Ram…' Since the success of Taxiwaala (2018), Deverakonda hasn't had even a single hit and his subsequent films like Dear Comrade (2019), World Famous Lover (2020), Liger (2022), Kushi (2023) and The Family Star (2024) underperformed at the box office. The only success he tasted during this period was with the Prabhas-starrer Kalki 2898 AD (2024), in which he made a cameo appearance. Kingdom, helmed by Jersey director Gowtam Tinnanuri, will hit the screens on July 31.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Vijay Deverakonda's 'Kingdom' may face another delay
Picture Credit: X Vijay Deverakonda 's upcoming pan-India film 'Kingdom' which is currently scheduled to release on July 4, 2025, but recent reports suggest the movie might be postponed again. According to a report by Pinkvilla, the film now seems to be releasing on July 25. The delay is reportedly due to some scenes being re-shot, although an official announcement is still awaited. Directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri , 'Kingdom' is touted as a spy action entertainer and is planned as the first part of a two-film series. 'Kingdom' was initially slated for release on March 28, 2025, but faced multiple postponements. It was first pushed to May 30, 2025, and then further delayed to July 4, 2025. The makers cited unforeseen national events and the prevailing atmosphere as reasons for the postponements, explaining that these factors made it difficult to proceed with promotions and celebrations. The film includes Bhagyashri Borse as the female lead and also features Satyadev and Koushik Mahata in key roles. The project was officially announced in January 2023 under the tentative title 'VD12', with the official title Kingdom revealed in February 2025. Principal photography began in June 2023, with shooting locations spanning Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Kerala, and Sri Lanka. The music is composed by Anirudh Ravichander. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Looking ahead, Vijay is also preparing for his next big project with director Rahul Sankrityan , known for Shyam Singha Roy. This untitled film, often referred to as 'VD14', is a period drama set during British colonial rule. This marks the second collaboration between Vijay and Rahul after their successful horror-comedy 'Taxiwaala.' There are strong rumors that Rashmika Mandanna might be the female lead. He is also set to work with director Ravi Kiran Kola on a romantic action drama tentatively named, 'SVC59'.
Pink Villa
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Is Vijay Deverakonda starrer Kingdom postponing its release to July 25? Here's what we know
Kingdom, starring Vijay Deverakonda in the lead role, is slated to release on July 4, 2025. However, recent reports seem to indicate that the movie might be getting postponed once again. According to sources, the Gowtam Tinnanuri directorial will now be hitting the big screens on July 25, 2025. The delay in the much-awaited movie is because of certain scenes being re-shot. However, an official confirmation is yet to be made. Talking about the film, Kingdom is touted to be a spy action entertainer and will be the first installment in a planned duology. The movie is said to have an ensemble cast of actors like Bhagyashri Borse, Satyadev, Koushik Mahata, and many more in key roles. With Anirudh Ravichander crafting the musical tracks and scores, it has Jallikattu fame Girish Gangadharan and Jomon T. John serving as the cinematographers. Moreover, Naveen Nooli has edited the movie. Earlier, the music director himself had dropped the first review of the actioner and said, 'I watched the film. It's very nice. Superb.' It is interesting to note that Kingdom was initially planned to release on May 30 this year, but was previously postponed, citing pending work. Recently, the Arjun Reddy actor made the headlines after his supposed girlfriend, Rashmika Mandanna, soft-launched him on Instagram. Sharing a post on social media, the actress dropped pictures of herself inside his home. Looking at Vijay's work front, the actor is next set to join hands with Shyam Singha Roy director Rahul Sankrityan for the tentatively titled VD14. The period venture is said to be taking place during the British colonial rule. The upcoming venture marks the second collaboration between Vijay and the director after the horror-comedy venture Taxiwaala. What makes the collaboration even more special is the fact that Rashmika Mandanna might be playing the female lead. While the casting hasn't been confirmed, this would mark the alleged lovers' reunion on the big screens after films like Geetha Govindam (2018) and Dear Comrade (2019).
News18
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
VD14: Vijay Deverakonda Unveils FIRST Look From Rahul Sankrityan's Epic Saga
Last Updated: On Vijay Deverakonda's 36th birthday, the actor treated his fans with an intriguing first look poster of his upcoming epic historical drama tentatively titled VD14. Actor Vijay Deverakonda is celebrating his 36th birthday today, and much to his fans' delight, he has finally unveiled the first look poster of his upcoming film, tentatively titled VD14. The Rahul Sankrityan directorial is set in the 19th century, between 1854-78, against the backdrop of British colonial rule. It marks Vijay Deverakonda's reunion with director Rahul Sankrityan after their film Taxiwaala. Vijay Deverakonda took to his Instagram stories to share the first look poster of VD14. Meanwhile, Mythri Movie Makers also shared the film's first look on X (previously Twitter), and wrote, 'The GODS gave him STRENGTH. War gave him a PURPOSE. Team #VD14 wishes @TheDeverakonda a very Happy Birthday." The captivating poster offers a striking glimpse of Vijay Deverakonda's character in the film. Seated in a meditative pose, the actor is seen with his back to the camera. He sits inside an ancient temple, while a radiant mural of an elderly sage is seen in front of him. The poster also showcases the actor flaunting his chiselled physique and long hair for the role. A few scars are seen on his back. Check out the poster below! The GODS gave him STRENGTH. War gave him a PURPOSETeam #VD14 wishes @TheDeverakonda a very Happy Birthday ❤️ @Rahul_Sankrityn @MythriOfficial #BhushanKumar #KrishanKumar @TSeries @ShivChanana @neerajkalyan_24 — Mythri Movie Makers (@MythriOfficial) May 9, 2025 One comment on the post read, 'Happy Birthday, @TheDeverakonda! Power-packed as always! #VD14," while another netizen wrote, 'mental mental mental." A third fan commented, 'What a poster." There has been massive excitement for VD14, ever since the project was announced last year. Meanwhile, director Rahul Sankrityan talked to Hindustan Times about the project, and revealed that Deverakonda plays the role of a village boy in the film. 'This is a rural character, which people have never seen Vijay in a rural character before. Vijay has done all Urban characters so far. In this, you will see Vijay in a completely new avatar as a rural guy and that too as a Rayalseema guy. Rayalseema is a particular region in Andhra Pradesh, which has some exclusive characteristics to it. Be it the slang or weather conditions, the culture, everything is going to be very different," said Rahul. First Published:
