Vijay Deverakonda on Sandeep Reddy Vanga bond: 'We went to war together'
Synopsis
Deverakonda's tribute to Sandeep Reddy Vanga at Romanchakam's pre-release event was less a promotional soundbite and more a rare confession — that Arjun Reddy was made on mortgaged land, blind faith, and zero safety net. The bond he described isn't industry camaraderie; it's the kind forged only when both sides had everything to lose.
Key Takeaways
Vijay Deverakonda spoke about his bond with Sandeep Reddy Vanga at the Romanchakam pre-release event in Hyderabad on 31 August .
He recalled that during Arjun Reddy , neither he nor Vanga had money, influence, or a fan base.
Producers Pranay and Prabhakar uncle reportedly mortgaged their land to finance the film.
Romanchakam , directed by Venu Gopal Reddy and presented by Vanga, releases worldwide on 3 September .
The film stars Sumanth Prabhas , Ananthika Sanilkumar , and Upendra Limaye , with music by Vasuki Vaibhav .
Telugu star Vijay Deverakonda opened up about his deep, unquantifiable bond with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga at the pre-release event of Romanchakam in Hyderabad on 31 August, saying the relationship transcends every conventional label — director-actor, brother, or friend.
A Bond Forged in Struggle
Speaking at the event for Venu Gopal Reddy's romantic drama, which is presented by Vanga, Deverakonda recalled the precarious circumstances surrounding the making of their landmark film Arjun Reddy. 'Back then, we went to war together. We didn't know what we were doing. Had the film not worked out, we would have gone crazy,' he said.
He noted that neither he nor Vanga had money, industry influence, or an established fan base at the time — Pellichoopulu, which first brought Deverakonda to wider notice, had not yet released when Arjun Reddy was being made. The financial stakes were personal and severe: producers Pranay and Prabhakar uncle reportedly mortgaged their land to fund the film, backing Vanga's vision and, by extension, Deverakonda's casting.
What Deverakonda Said
'I miss Sandeep Reddy not for Arjun Reddy's success or what it has gone on to become. I miss him for all the moments we spent together — building a film together, sharing our lives, our stress and sharing our battles,' Deverakonda said. He added: 'You put your entire family, earnings and future on a film. Sandeep will go to any extent for me and I will go to any extent for Sandeep.'
The remarks underline a relationship built on shared risk rather than shared success — a distinction Deverakonda was careful to draw.
About Romanchakam
Romanchakam, directed by Venu Gopal Reddy and presented by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on 3 September. The film stars Sumanth Prabhas and Ananthika Sanilkumar as a couple whose intense love reportedly turns to mutual hatred — a tonal pivot teased in a recently released glimpse video that generated significant buzz online.
Actor Upendra Limaye appears in a role that the glimpse suggests is a police officer, adding an element of intrigue. The cast also includes Venkatesh Kakumanu, Narendra Ravi, Mani Aegurla, and Sai Sohan.
Production Details
The film is produced by Pranay Reddy Vanga, with cinematography by Pavan Pappula and music composed by Vasuki Vaibhav. Dance sequences are choreographed by Gobind Kotap, and costumes are by Akunur Keerthana.
With Romanchakam days away from release, Deverakonda's remarks have added considerable emotional weight to the film's promotional run — and offered a rare, candid window into one of Telugu cinema's most consequential creative partnerships.
Point of View
Clout, or a safety net. That origin story now lends Sandeep Reddy Vanga's brand a mythology that few Indian directors can claim, and it is being deployed shrewdly at the launch of a film he is merely presenting. The question worth asking is whether Romanchakam benefits from that halo or is quietly burdened by it.
NationPress
31 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Vijay Deverakonda say about Sandeep Reddy Vanga?
Deverakonda said his bond with Vanga goes beyond a director-actor or even a friendship, describing it as something forged through shared struggle during the making of Arjun Reddy, when both had no money, influence, or fan base. He said he would go to any extent for Vanga, and vice versa.
What is Romanchakam and when does it release?
Romanchakam is a romantic drama directed by Venu Gopal Reddy and presented by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. It stars Sumanth Prabhas and Ananthika Sanilkumar and is set for a worldwide theatrical release on 3 September.
What were the struggles behind the making of Arjun Reddy?
According to Deverakonda, neither he nor Vanga had money or industry influence when Arjun Reddy was being made. Producers Pranay and Prabhakar uncle reportedly mortgaged their land to fund the film, and Pellichoopulu had not yet released at the time, meaning Deverakonda had no established fan base.
Who is in the cast of Romanchakam?
The film features Sumanth Prabhas and Ananthika Sanilkumar in the lead roles, with Upendra Limaye, Venkatesh Kakumanu, Narendra Ravi, Mani Aegurla, and Sai Sohan in supporting roles.
Who produced Romanchakam and who composed its music?
Romanchakam is produced by Pranay Reddy Vanga, with music by Vasuki Vaibhav and cinematography by Pavan Pappula.
