By Ruby Zaidi
Hyderabad – A formal First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against actor Vijay Deverakonda under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act at Raidurgam Police Station in Hyderabad.
The legal action stems from controversial remarks the actor made during the pre-release event of actor Suriya’s upcoming film Retro, which have drawn intense criticism from tribal rights groups and social justice advocates.
The controversy erupted after Deverakonda, while referring to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, made a statement describing the assailants as “tribals from 500 years ago, fighting without common sense.”
The remark, perceived as derogatory and insensitive, provoked strong backlash from several tribal organisations and social activists, who condemned the comparison as highly offensive and culturally demeaning.
The Tribal Joint Action Committee (TJAC) swiftly responded, denouncing the statement and demanding an unconditional public apology from the actor.
In their official statement, the committee noted that such comments not only stereotype tribal communities but also reinforce regressive and harmful narratives that contribute to social marginalisation.
In the face of growing criticism, Deverakonda took to social media to issue a clarification. He stated that his use of the term “tribals” was not directed at India’s Scheduled Tribes, but was intended as a reference to primitive warfare tactics in a broader, historical context.
He insisted there was no intent to insult or malign any community and expressed regret if his words had unintentionally hurt anyone’s sentiments.
However, the clarification did little to deter legal proceedings. Authorities at Raidurgam Police Station confirmed that an FIR was filed and a formal investigation is now underway. If found guilty under the stringent provisions of the SC/ST Act, the actor could face serious legal consequences.
This development has sent ripples through the film industry, with legal experts and industry watchers closely monitoring how the case unfolds.
The episode has reignited ongoing debates around freedom of expression, celebrity accountability, and the limits of public discourse, especially when it concerns marginalised communities.
Meanwhile, on the professional front, Vijay Deverakonda is awaiting the release of his next project, Kingdom, a period action drama directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri.
The film co-stars Bhagyashri Borse in the female lead and features music composed by Anirudh Ravichander. While an official release date is yet to be announced, industry sources suggest that the controversy could affect the film’s promotional plans.
As the investigation proceeds, the actor’s legal team is expected to issue a formal statement soon. Whether an apology will be deemed sufficient in the eyes of the law — or whether the case escalates further — remains to be seen.