Vijay Deverakonda has responded to the online trolling surrounding his upcoming film Ranabaali, calling much of the negativity surrounding its box office clash with Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2 “manufactured hate”. The actor addressed the controversy during a press interaction in Hyderabad ahead of the Ranabaali trailer launch, questioning why similar negative opinions were appearing repeatedly across social media.

Starring Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna, Ranabaali is scheduled to release in theatres just a day after Jailer 2. The overlapping release dates have sparked online comparisons between the two films, prompting Vijay to speak out against what he believes is coordinated trolling.

Vijay Deverakonda Says 90% Of Online Hate Is Manufactured

Speaking about the criticism directed at him, Vijay questioned whether he should change his personality or give up his ambitions simply because some people disapprove of his confidence and approach. The actor made it clear that he would not allow online negativity to dictate his choices. He also encouraged people to concentrate on improving their own lives rather than trying to bring others down.

Addressing the debate over Ranabaali and Jailer 2, Vijay said, “First of all, we can’t even call it hate. Because 90 percent of it is manufactured.” He pointed to social media Reels appearing around the same time that claimed people would rather watch Jailer 2 than his Telugu film. According to the actor, the repetition of similar opinions raised questions about whether the online conversation reflected genuine audience preferences.

Ranabaali Profile
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Actor Questions Paid Trolling And Artificial Intelligence

Vijay also alleged that some people were being paid to target him online. He argued that when identical opinions appear across multiple accounts, the activity may be organised rather than entirely spontaneous. The actor brought artificial intelligence into the discussion, suggesting that technology could eventually replace people carrying out such online attacks. He added that those funding these activities might eventually stop paying for them.

His comments focused on the wider impact of coordinated negativity on social media, particularly when discussions about upcoming films turn into personal attacks against actors. Vijay also questioned why people use online platforms to undermine others instead of promoting constructive ideas. While acknowledging that everyone is entitled to an opinion, he challenged the apparent repetition of negative narratives surrounding his upcoming release. These remarks reflect his own assessment of the online activity rather than independently established evidence of a coordinated campaign.

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Ranabaali And Jailer 2 Set For Back-To-Back Releases

Directed by Rahul Sankrityan, Ranabaali stars Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna in the lead roles. The period drama is scheduled to arrive in theatres on October 16, 2026. Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, is set to release on October 15, 2026. The sequel follows the 2023 action film Jailer and brings the superstar back for another chapter in the franchise.

With just one day separating their scheduled releases, both films are expected to attract attention from audiences across South Indian cinema. The release timing has also made comparisons between the Telugu and Tamil productions a talking point online. The two films have distinct identities, with Ranabaali being a Telugu period drama and Jailer 2 continuing Rajinikanth’s action franchise. Their box office performance will become clearer after their theatrical runs begin.

Jailer 2
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Vijay Deverakonda Refuses To Change For Online Critics

Vijay’s response extended beyond the release-date debate to the criticism he says he has faced throughout his career. He questioned whether he should stop pursuing his dreams simply because some people interpret his confidence as arrogance or view his ambitions negatively. The actor firmly stated that he would not change himself to satisfy online critics. Instead, he urged people to focus on personal growth and use social media in more positive ways.

His remarks have brought renewed attention to the online discussion surrounding Ranabaali and Jailer 2. Whether the controversy influences audience interest remains to be seen, but Vijay has made his position clear: he believes viewers should be free to choose their preferred film without turning the competition into a campaign against another actor.

Final Take

Vijay Deverakonda has described the online negativity surrounding Ranabaali and its clash with Jailer 2 as manufactured, alleging that some social media activity is coordinated and paid for. The actor has also insisted that he will not change himself to appease critics. With Jailer 2 scheduled for October 15 and Ranabaali following on October 16, both films are heading towards a closely watched box office face-off.

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