Hyderabad, June 22, 2025 – Telugu cinema star Vijay Devarakonda finds himself in legal trouble following controversial remarks made during a pre-release event for the film Retro on April 26, 2025, at the JRC Convention Centre in Hyderabad. The actor, known for his roles in films like Arjun Reddy and Liger, has been booked under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, after a complaint alleged that his comments insulted the dignity of tribal communities.
What Happened at the Retro Event?
During the promotional event for Retro, a film starring Tamil actor Suriya, Vijay Devarakonda was invited as the chief guest. While addressing the audience, he spoke about the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, and suggested that education could prevent such incidents. However, his remarks took a controversial turn when he reportedly compared the behavior of terrorists to “tribals fighting without common sense 500 years ago.” This statement sparked outrage among tribal communities, who found it derogatory and offensive to their identity and heritage.
The complaint, lodged by Ashok Kumar Naik, State President of the Joint Action Committee of Tribal Communities, claimed that Vijay’s words insulted the self-respect of tribal groups. Naik, a resident of Saidabad, Hyderabad, filed the complaint at the Rai Durgam Police Station, leading to a formal First Information Report (FIR) on June 17, 2025. This marks the second case against Vijay under the SC/ST Act, with a prior complaint filed at the Sanjeeva Reddy Nagar Police Station for similar reasons.
Vijay’s Response and Apology
Following the backlash, Vijay Devarakonda issued a public apology on May 3, 2025, via a post on X, acknowledging that his remarks had caused concern. He clarified that his intention was to promote unity and education, not to offend any community. “I used the word ‘tribes’ to refer to ancient groups who fought among themselves, not to disrespect anyone. If my words were misunderstood or hurtful, I express my sincere regret,” he wrote. The actor later deleted the post, which some reports suggest fueled further controversy.
Despite his apology, tribal leaders and activists, including Ashok Kumar Naik (also known as Ashok Rathod), argued that the remarks were deeply offensive and perpetuated harmful stereotypes. They emphasized that comparing tribal communities to terrorists was not only insensitive but also a violation of the SC/ST Act, which protects marginalized groups from discrimination and humiliation.
Legal Implications and Ongoing Investigation
The SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act is a stringent law designed to safeguard the rights and dignity of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Violations under this Act are non-bailable and can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment. The Police are currently investigating the case, with Inspector C.H. Venkanna confirming that the FIR was registered based on Naik’s complaint. The police are reviewing video footage and statements from the Retro event to ascertain the context and intent of Vijay’s remarks.
Legal experts suggest that the outcome of the case will depend on whether the court finds Vijay’s comments to be intentionally derogatory or a misunderstanding. His legal team is yet to issue an official statement, but sources indicate they are preparing to address the allegations as the investigation progresses.
Public Reaction and Context
The controversy has sparked widespread debate on social media and in the Indian film industry. Posts on X reflect mixed sentiments, with some users defending Vijay, citing his apology and intent to promote unity, while others, particularly tribal rights activists, demand accountability for what they see as a harmful generalization. The timing of the FIR, nearly two months after the event, has also raised questions, with some speculating that it may be linked to heightened sensitivity around tribal rights in the region.
Vijay Devarakonda, often called the “Rowdy Star,” is no stranger to controversies, having faced scrutiny over his bold persona and rumored personal life. However, this legal battle marks a significant challenge, given the serious nature of the SC/ST Act. The Retro event, meant to generate buzz for Suriya’s film, has instead placed Vijay in the spotlight for the wrong reasons.
Why This Matters
For many Indians, especially those from marginalized communities, the SC/ST Act represents a critical safeguard against discrimination. Vijay’s case underscores the importance of public figures choosing their words carefully, particularly when addressing sensitive topics like terrorism or community identities. The controversy also highlights the growing influence of social media in amplifying public grievances and holding celebrities accountable.
As the investigation unfolds, all eyes will be on how Vijay Devarakonda and his team navigate this legal and public relations challenge. For now, the actor’s apology and the ongoing probe leave the matter unresolved, with tribal communities awaiting justice and clarity.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports and public statements. The investigation is ongoing, and no final judgment has been made in the case.