Actor Vijay Deverakonda has hit back sharply at social media trolls who labelled him a 'red flag' following his joint appearance with wife Rashmika Mandanna on a recent episode of Koffee With Karan Season 9. In a candid post on social media, Deverakonda called Rashmika his 'best friend' and used unmistakably blunt language to dismiss critics of their relationship.

What Vijay Said

The Arjun Reddy actor posted a heartfelt yet pointed message, writing: 'My best friend, my wife, my woman. One of the most beautiful parts of my life that I got absolutely right. For all those concerned, We are both gloriously happy. I am blessed. If its me and her against the world — so be it. Big love to all those who celebrate love and the simplicity of living happily.'

He then turned his attention directly to the critics, adding with characteristic bluntness: 'Now, with absolutely no intended kindness or respect, everyone else can go f**k themselves. Deverakonda Vijay Sai.' The post made clear he has zero tolerance for unsolicited commentary on his personal life.

Rashmika's Post Came First

Prior to Vijay's response, Rashmika Mandanna had shared a lengthy post on her official Instagram handle, addressing the online backlash directly. The Animal actress revealed that she had proposed to Vijay over the course of an entire year, and offered context for how the decision to marry unfolded.

'But neither of us was looking for a grand proposal,' she wrote. 'The conversation was about him wanting both of us to take the time and space to understand each other, to be sure that despite all the highs and lows, the joys and stresses of life, this was what we wanted and the right time for it. And we did. We chose each other.'

Rashmika also noted that Vijay stands by her during her most difficult moments, when few others do, and framed her choice of partner as an expression of her own feminism. 'I took charge of mine and it rewarded me with immense love,' she wrote, adding that feminism, for her, means having the freedom to choose one's own life.

The Trolling That Sparked It

The backlash began after the couple's appearance on Koffee With Karan Season 9, following which a section of social media users accused Vijay of exhibiting 'red flag' behaviour. The criticism appears to have centred on the dynamics of their relationship as discussed on the chat show, though neither Vijay nor Rashmika specified the exact remarks that triggered the trolling.

Couple's United Front

Notably, both Vijay and Rashmika chose to respond publicly and almost simultaneously, presenting a united front rather than letting the discourse fade. The coordinated response signals that the couple — both among the most bankable names in Indian cinema — are unwilling to let unsolicited narratives define their relationship. Whether the blowback intensifies or subsides will likely depend on how the fandom on both sides receives their statements.