Overview
- Devaiah told Screen, in remarks reported by Hindustan Times, that “everybody is doing Pushpa” and questioned why nearly every leading man now has a beard.
- He said ultra-machismo can be entertaining but has grown tiresome, describing it as a trend rather than a requirement for protagonists.
- Explaining his Kantara Chapter 1 casting, he noted director Rishab Shetty wanted a performance that avoided the stereotypical intense, unblinking style.
- He urged audiences not to glorify beloved antiheroes, reminding fans that characters like Atmaram are written as deeply flawed.
- The discussion referenced recent star vehicles with morally gray leads, while Kantara Chapter 1—featuring Devaiah’s praised antagonist—was reported to have earned ₹851 crore worldwide in 2025.