Will Vijay Deverakonda’s massive fan following be enough to trump the #BoycottLiger call?

On August 25, director Puri Jagannadh’s film with Telugu heart-throb Vijay Deverakonda, Liger, is set to release in theatres. On the outset, it may seem like any other much-awaited big-ticket Telugu film that is getting a pan-India release. Vijay’s film, though, which is giving him a Bollywood debut, has a stronger connect to the Hindi belt, because it is co-produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions. This association with Karan, who is among the most hated people in B-Town at the moment, could spell disaster for Liger, which has been trending on social media with a boycott call.

The question now is whether Liger can overcome this massive opposition on the strength of its leading man’s immense popularity. Having Ananya Panday, who was named in the Bollywood drug scandal when Aryan Khan was arrested and is also considered a part of the nepotism gang, as his co-star is not really helping Vijay’s case.

Social media is abuzz with the boycott call. Films like Lal Singh Chaddha and Dobaaraa, which were also boycotted have already failed at the box office and Liger comes close on the heels of these two movies. “I support #BoycottLigerMovie yes let me reiterate that I support Boycott of #Liger movie because of the direct and indirect connection of people from the Bollywood like Karan Johar, Salman Khan and Ananya Pandey. Also, because I support #BoycottBollywood (forever and everywhere),” wrote one user. Another added, “Karan Johar casts South hero Vijay Deverakonda to fool Hindus and earn money from Hindus, although I am a fan of Vijay. Hindus must stop watching Karachiwood movies. Those directors of Bullywood found a way to earn money by casting South Hero. #BoycottLigerMovie.” A third wrote, “Puri sir we love you 🙏but not Karan Johar. #BoycottLigerMovie #BoycottLigerMoviekaranJohar.”

Vijay has his staunch supporters also. “#BoycottLigerMovie #VijayDeverakonda is a self made star and hardworker don't do these type of trends ..... Let him grow bigger .. If the producer is Karan Johar .. why Vijay devarakonda should face problem please 🙏stop this,” wrote one, to which another chimed, “How can people boycott a self-made star just bcz he is in karan johar's movie #VijayDeverakonda #Liger #LigerHuntBegins #SupportLiger #WaatLagaDenge.”