Vijay Deverakonda Says 90% of Online Hate Is Manufactured Amid Ranabaali vs Jailer 2 Debate
Vijay Deverakonda has spoken out against the negative online conversations surrounding his upcoming Telugu film Ranabaali, which is scheduled to release close to Rajinikanth’s highly anticipated sequel Jailer 2. The actor believes that much of the criticism appearing on social media is not necessarily a reflection of genuine audience opinion, raising questions about the influence of coordinated online campaigns on the film industry.
Speaking at the trailer launch of Ranabaali in Hyderabad, Vijay addressed the growing discussion about which film audiences would prefer to watch. His remarks have added another layer to the conversation surrounding the two releases, which are scheduled to arrive in theatres just one day apart.
Vijay Deverakonda Questions the Authenticity of Online Criticism
During the event, Vijay claimed that approximately 90% of the negativity he was referring to was manufactured. He pointed to the repeated appearance of social media posts and reels expressing a preference for Jailer 2 over Ranabaali.
According to the actor, audiences are entitled to their individual preferences, but the widespread repetition of similar opinions can raise questions about whether every post represents an independent viewpoint.
Vijay alleged that certain groups were promoting negative narratives about his film and suggested that some individuals might be paid to participate in such activity. However, these remain the actor's allegations; no independently verified evidence establishing the scale of the alleged campaign has been presented in the reports.
His comments highlight an important distinction in today's entertainment industry: genuine criticism is a normal part of filmmaking, while deliberately coordinated attempts to influence public perception raise different concerns.
Why Social Media Has Become Important for Film Promotions
Social media platforms have become an important part of film marketing. Trailers, songs, promotional interviews and audience reactions can reach viewers within minutes, allowing films to build awareness well before their theatrical releases.
However, the same platforms also make it possible for negative opinions, memes and comparisons to spread rapidly. When similar messages appear repeatedly, they can create the impression that a particular viewpoint is more widespread than it actually is.
That does not automatically mean a campaign is manufactured. People may independently share similar opinions because they support a particular actor, prefer a franchise or are genuinely more interested in one film.
Vijay's argument centres on the possibility that some online discussions are being deliberately amplified. His remarks have drawn attention to the difficulty of distinguishing authentic audience reactions from promotional activity designed to shape the conversation.
For moviegoers, the practical lesson is to consider the substance behind online opinions rather than judging a film entirely by the number of negative or positive posts circulating about it.
Vijay Says He Will Not Change Himself to Please Critics
The actor also addressed the criticism directed at him personally. Vijay questioned whether he should abandon his ambitions or alter his personality simply because some people interpret his confidence negatively.
He made it clear that he does not intend to allow online criticism to dictate his professional choices. His response reflects his broader position that an actor should be able to pursue challenging projects without being controlled by public hostility.
Vijay also questioned the purpose of using social media to pull people down rather than encouraging positive conversations. He expressed the view that online platforms could be used more constructively to share achievements, support creative work and promote meaningful ideas.
His comments are particularly relevant in an industry where actors and filmmakers increasingly interact with audiences through digital platforms. While public feedback can provide valuable insight, constant online criticism can also turn discussions about films into personal disputes between fan groups.
The challenge for celebrities is to recognise useful feedback without allowing every online argument to influence their decisions.
Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Online Campaigns
Vijay also referred to artificial intelligence while discussing the alleged paid activity. He suggested that people currently involved in such online attacks could eventually be replaced by AI tools.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly capable of generating text, images and other digital content at scale. These capabilities can support legitimate marketing work, but they also create concerns about fake accounts, misleading posts and artificially amplified narratives.
Nevertheless, the use of AI does not automatically establish that a particular online campaign is artificial. Identifying coordinated activity requires evidence, such as account behaviour, posting patterns and other reliable indicators.
The actor's comments therefore bring attention to a wider issue facing digital media: audiences may need to become more careful about how they evaluate online information, particularly when strong opinions emerge around major entertainment releases.
For filmmakers and marketing teams, maintaining credibility may become increasingly important as audiences grow more aware of the possibility of manipulated online engagement.
