Vijay Deverakonda, the popular Telugu star known for his bold choices and unfiltered views, has revealed why he removed the “The” prefix from his name. Once seen as a unique branding move during the promotions of Liger, the actor has now dropped the tag altogether after facing consistent online negativity. His upcoming film Kingdom features his name without the controversial prefix, marking a return to his original identity.

In a recent interview, Vijay said, “No other actor gets backlash for a tagline. From Universal Star to People’s Star, everyone has one. But somehow, I got the most criticism for using ‘The’. He admitted that he initially resisted adding any title and wanted audiences to know him simply by his name. However, his team pushed for a tag during Liger promotions due to the media labeling him with names like “Rowdy Boy, “Southern Sensation,” and “Rowdy Star.” Eventually, the decision to use “The” was made under branding pressure.

Despite the intent to embrace a distinct identity, the backlash from fans and media surprised both Vijay and his team. Recognizing the disconnect, he has now dropped the tag and returned to being just “Vijay Deverakonda.” His decision highlights his commitment to authenticity and a desire to let his work speak for itself. Directed by Gautam Tinnanuri, Kingdom releases worldwide on July 31. The action drama features Bhagyashri Bhorse as the female lead, with music composed by Anirudh Ravichander. Vijay’s move serves as a reminder that in a world obsessed with branding, sometimes simplicity is the most powerful statement.