The Family Star may have received mixed reviews, but Vijay Deverakonda and Mrunal Thakur have been praised for their performances in the drama. Considering Parasuram’s directorial venture marks only Thakur’s third Telugu release, she is grateful to have won over the audiences again.

“Stepping into a new industry can be daunting, but the love showered upon my characters has been overwhelming. To receive such warmth and acceptance from the south Indian audience for three consecutive years is beyond anything I could have imagined,” says the actor, who forayed into the Telugu film industry with the sleeper hit, Sita Ramam, in 2022. Her golden run continued with Hi Nanna (2023) opposite Nani.  

Juggling Hindi and Telugu projects isn’t easy. But Thakur feels Family Star has consolidated her position as a bankable actor down south. Not just that, she believes that the tag of a pan-India star is not out of reach for women anymore. While the label has been largely used for select male actors, she says leading ladies are breaking the glass ceiling, hoping to emulate what the late Sridevi had done decades ago.

“With a shift towards diverse storytelling and an emphasis on talent and versatility, the dream for female actors to become pan-India stars is now within reach. Moreover, the south Indian film industry, known for its rich narratives and nuanced characters, is [giving a boost to] talented people.”

Vijay Deverakonda’s team has launched legal action against those who’ve trolled him and his latest film, The Family Star. A police complaint has been filed in Madhapur, Hyderabad, by the actor’s manager and the president of his fan clubs.

The 34-year-old’s team has claimed that the smear campaign may have impacted the film’s box office performance.

Sharing an image of the team filing the complaint, a representative for Deverakonda wrote on X: “Cyber Crime Complaint lodged against individuals who are part of orchestrated attacks and planned negative campaigns targeting #FamilyStar movie and actor #VijayDeverakonda. The police officials started taking action already and are tracing the fake ids and users and assured due course. @CyberCrimeshyd #TheFamilyStar (sic).”

However, producer Dil Raju told TV9 that viewers have been appreciative. “Everyone I meet is confused why the film is getting such negative reactions. I heard in Kerala they’re debating on curbing reviews the first few days of the release. Something similar needs to happen in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana. It’s not okay to rub your opinion on others,” he told the outlet.