Actor Vijay Deverakonda has faced a wave of backlash online following the release of a promotional clip for Koffee With Karan 9, where his response to Rashmika Mandanna's marriage proposal story drew sharp criticism. In the preview, Rashmika shared that she had asked Vijay to marry her repeatedly over the span of an entire year. Although the interaction was apparently intended as playful banter, several viewers argued that sharing the private anecdote publicly amounted to humiliating his wife.
The promo opens with host Karan Johar welcoming the pair as a blockbuster couple before inquiring whether there was a proposal. Rashmika then recounts telling Vijay that they should get married. Vijay replies by telling her that she asked him a hundred times, and when Karan asks for confirmation, Rashmika affirms that she pursued the marriage conversation for an entire year. Asked to present his perspective, Vijay remarks that he is not an a**hole, contributing to their discussion on how the marriage talks unfolded.
Despite the lighthearted intent, the exchange failed to impress internet users, many of whom criticized Vijay's tone and suggested the narrative made Rashmika appear overly invested in the relationship. Social media users expressed frustration over the disclosure, questioning why personal details of who pursued whom were brought to light on television and arguing that the dynamic portrayed an unfavorable imbalance in affection.
Some commentators drew comparisons to previous controversial celebrity appearances on the talk show, warning that newlywed couples might want to steer clear of such platforms. Observers pointed to earlier celebrity controversies on the program as cautionary tales, while others scrutinized past details of the couple's wedding announcements and overall public demeanor.
Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna tied the knot on February 26 during an intimate ceremony held at ITC Mementos in Udaipur, surrounded by close friends and family. The two actors first grew close after starring together in the 2018 film Geetha Govindam, and more recently appeared on the big screen together in Ranabaali, which hit theatres on October 16. The full Koffee With Karan 9 episode is set to offer a deeper look into their relationship dynamics, married life, and shared history.