Vijay Deverakonda addresses the press post interrogation by Enforcement Directorate
What's the story
Telugu star Vijay Deverakonda was interrogated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday. As the news caught the internet like wildfire, the actor addressed the press post the interrogation, where he revealed what happened during the interrogation. He was reportedly grilled by the agency for over 12 hours over the funding of his recently released action-drama Liger, directed by Puri Jagannadh.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The questioning of Deverakonda comes two weeks after Jagannadh and one of Liger's producers Charmmee Kaur were questioned about the film's funding. Reports surfaced recently stating that the film's funds came from a source outside India, which is a violation of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) of 1999. Deverakonda was questioned to know about the identity of the financiers.
Statement
Here's what Deverakonda said about the questioning
Deverakonda met the press on Wednesday after the interrogation. He said after the 12-hour-long grilling, "I gave few answers to the questions asked by the ED officials. They have done their job." "The popularity that comes with the love also shows some difficulties. This is an experience in life though. They did not tell me to come again," he further added.
Details
Political leaders are suspected to have a part
The investigation into Liger's team began back in August when Congress leader Bakka Judson lodged a complaint with the ED. He said in his complaint that many politicians had invested money in Liger and used it as a money laundering tool. Liger tanked at the box office after the extremely negative reviews that the film received from fans and critics.
Updates
Other films of Deverakonda awaiting release
Meanwhile, Deverakonda will be next seen in Kushi co-starring Samantha Ruth Prabhu. The Shiva Nirvana directorial will reportedly be based on Mani Ratnam's 1992 Tamil romantic drama Roja. The film is slated to be released on December 23, as a Christmas special. It is also reported that the actor was approached for the second installment of the recent blockbuster Brahmastra.