Vijay Deverakonda returns to the spotlight with Filmfare’s May cover issue, radiating the same grounded energy and quiet magnetism that made him a standout from the very beginning. From being hailed as the next big thing to leading the pan-India wave with Kingdom, his journey has been nothing short of compelling. Even before Arjun Reddy hit the screens, Vijay had already caught our attention with his sincerity, sharp wit, and effortless charm.

With Arjun Reddy solidifying his stature as a powerhouse performer, Vijay has steadily carved out a space among the most captivating actors in Indian cinema. Be it intense emotional dramas, commercial entertainers, or nuanced roles, he continues to push creative boundaries. Today, he stands tall as a pan-India star, bringing the same professionalism, humility, and determination to every set he walks into. In this exclusive cover story, Vijay opens up about his evolving journey, the power of reinvention, and what continues to drive him forward.

Talking about his special appearance in Kalki 2898 AD, Vijay Deverakonda shares his feelings of loyalty, “Nag Ashwin gave me my first break, and I’ll always do whatever he asks me to. He believes I’m his lucky charm—I have all the more reason to turn up just for a day if need be.”

Speaking of his upcoming film Kingdom, he paints a vivid picture of its emotional depth, “A thick-layered action drama. It’s an action film like the old days, where the emotions behind every moment matter, not just chasing the spectacle.”

When asked about a personal win in a film that may not have performed well at the box office, he reflects on Liger, “I learnt a lot from that film. From prepping, filming, promoting, to dealing with the aftermath of its release. What I started during Liger—in terms of training, physical discipline, and lifestyle changes—has now become an integral part of how I live my life today.”

Adding to it, “ Growing up, I was a huge fan and admirer of director Puri Jagannadh, his film Pokiri with Mahesh Babu sir is one of my favourites, and it was a dream of mine to make a film with him. I was extremely sad that we didn’t make a better film.”

When asked about his repeated collaborations with Rashmika Mandanna, he responds with warmth and a smile, “I haven’t done enough movies with Rashmika. I should do more. She’s a great actress and a beautiful woman—so chemistry shouldn’t be a problem.”

On whether true friendships can truly exist between co-actors, Vijay answers thoughtfully, “You can, if you find others who share the philosophy of ‘live and let live.’ There’s enough love to go around, enough stories to tell. There are a few good men… but I cannot take names without causing undue chaos—so there shall be no names taken.”

If he could offer advice to his younger self, Vijay would keep it simple but impactful, “I’d tell him to chill, laugh more, stress less. Whatever you’re doing, you’re doing well because in the future, you are going to be a phenomenon. He’s going to be everything you dream of being—and more.”

Additionally, offering a winning message for the aspirational artistes, he says, “You can never be fully prepared—no matter how much you plan. It’s going to be a journey, and you’ll find your footing as you go. But remember this: you shine because you’re you. Each of us is different on a DNA level, and that difference is what makes you interesting. If we were all the same, we’d just be robots. There’s a lot more I want to say... but I’ll save that for another time, on another stage.”