03 September,2026 07:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Kichcha Sudeep and Krishnadevaraya`s portrait (Pictures via X)
Kichcha Sudeep's latest announcement has certainly caught attention, but not everyone is looking at it through rose-tinted glasses. The actor, who turned 55 on September 2, unveiled his upcoming historical epic Devaraaya, in which he will portray the celebrated Vijayanagara emperor Sri Krishnadevaraya.
The announcement came with a first-look poster that showed Sudeep in a regal avatar. While the scale and grandeur of the project have piqued curiosity, his appearance particularly the beard, has triggered a debate among some fans and history enthusiasts, who have questioned whether the look accurately represents the historical ruler.
Sudeep is set to play one of the most celebrated monarchs of the Vijayanagara Empire, whose reign lasted from 1509 to 1529. Krishnadevaraya is remembered not only for his military victories and administrative abilities but also for his patronage of literature, art and culture. Bringing such a towering historical figure to the screen therefore comes with its own set of expectations. The first look has already prompted discussions online, with some social media users questioning the choice of styling and wondering how closely the film will stick to historical references.
A user questioned Kichcha's look in the intro poster for his bearded look, "Sri Krishnadevaraya is almost always shown clean shaven in paintings and sculptures. He is believed to have kept a clean shaven face. If Sudeep doesn't look good without a beard, he shouldn't have taken the role." While another one discussed the historical accuracy, "First thing is krishnadevaraya is depicted differently by domingo paes. Not even from the picture you shared. He was short in height had lot of scars on his faces. And lastly all those kings used to wear tall crown that is depicted in tirupathi inside temple idol." Another one replied, "That's what i am saying when someone make a film on historical figures they must stick to the character discriptions available and make sense to believe. Keeping Italian style beard or any kind of which makes actor look good for audience doesn't make any sense."
While one of them also wrote, "People lose 10s of kilos for a movie to suit the role⦠and here we are⦠an epic is being recreated, and not even a beard can be removed form the actor to suit the role⦠let's hope he does justice." A fan added, "Why settle for beard/no beard? Let's go after height weight skin color etc. Let's not stop till they dig up Krishnadevarayas skeletal remains, construct the full structure, and create an avatar and make it act in the movie."
The film, titled Devaraaya, is expected to be mounted on a large scale, with extensive production design, elaborate sets, battle sequences and visual effects recreating the grandeur of the Vijayanagara period. Given the era and the stature of its central character, the project is expected to be an ambitious addition to Sudeep's filmography.
The film is being jointly produced by Telugu production house People Media Factory and Priya Sudeep's Supriyanvi Picture Studios. TG Vishwa Prasad and Krithi Prasad are backing the project. The makers are reportedly taking considerable time for its technical preparation and production, with a December 2027 theatrical release planned. He is also set to return with Bigg Boss Kannada's new season.
