Tollywood: In a fascinating behind-the-scenes revelation from the Telugu film industry, it has come to light that the critically acclaimed role of ‘Deva’ in Sekhar Kammula’s latest blockbuster was initially offered to Vijay Deverakonda. However, the actor is said to have turned down the part, reportedly concerned about how his fans would react to seeing him portray a beggar on screen.
The role, which required a raw, grounded, and emotionally intense performance, was ultimately bagged by Dhanush, who embraced the character with remarkable depth. Under Sekhar Kammula’s deft direction, the film struck a powerful chord with audiences and critics alike — catapulting to box office success with a whopping ₹120 crore global collection.
Industry insiders now agree that Dhanush’s portrayal of Deva was one of the film’s biggest highlights. His transformation into a street-dwelling wanderer not only showcased his incredible acting range but also helped him win massive praise from both fans and industry veterans.
What started as a risky script turned into a career-defining move for Dhanush and another success story for director Sekhar Kammula, who once again proved his knack for extracting unforgettable performances from his leads. Meanwhile, Vijay Deverakonda’s cautious decision is now the talk of the town — a “what if” moment that has stirred plenty of discussion among fans and film analysts.
