Vijay Deverakonda Welcomes 2026 In Rome With Rashmika Mandanna Amid Engagement Rumours

The ‘Geetha Govindam’ duo fuels relationship rumors with coordinated Instagram posts from Italy; eagle-eyed fans spot Rashmika in Vijay’s New Year’s Day photo dump.

January 1, 2025: The eternal city of Rome has become the backdrop for the most talked-about “soft-launch” in South Indian cinema. On Thursday, January 1, 2026, superstar Vijay Deverakonda wished his fans a Happy New Year with a series of vacation photos from Italy, confirming he is holidaying in the same city as his rumored fiancé, Rashmika Mandanna.

While the couple has avoided posting photos together, the “digital crumbs” left by their Instagram updates have convinced fans that the long-standing #ViRash rumors are finally a reality.

The “New Year” Clues

The Reflection & The Hug: In Vijay’s carousel post, fans were quick to point out a reflection in a glass window that appeared to be Rashmika. Even more tellingly, one photo featured a woman (widely believed to be Rashmika) leaning on Vijay’s shoulder, while another showed a blurred figure back-hugging the actor during a train ride.
The “Dessert” Video: Earlier this week, Rashmika shared a montage titled “Rome so far,” which included a blink-and-miss clip of her feeding a spoonful of dessert to a man whose hand and jawline matched Vijay’s.
The Family Bond: Adding weight to the “family vacation” theory, Vijay’s brother Anand Deverakonda was spotted in several of Rashmika’s photos, smiling and enjoying the Roman sun with the group.

Wedding Bells: February 26 in Udaipur?

The vacation comes on the heels of explosive reports regarding the couple’s future.

The Engagement: Sources claim the duo got engaged in an intimate ceremony on October 3, 2025, at Vijay’s residence in Hyderabad, shortly after the Dasara festival.
The D-Day: According to Hindustan Times, the couple has finalized a heritage palace in Udaipur, Rajasthan, for a private wedding on February 26, 2026.
The Guest List: True to their private nature, the wedding is expected to be a “no-celebrity” affair, attended only by immediate family and childhood friends.

Professional Front: No Slowing Down

Despite the personal milestones, both actors have a massive 2026 ahead of them:

Rashmika Mandanna: After the success of Thamma and her emotional “9-year survival” note to fans, she is gearing up for the release of The Girlfriend and the Salman Khan-starrer Sikandar.
Vijay Deverakonda: Fresh off the success of Kushi and a cameo in Dhurandhar, Vijay is currently filming the action-drama Rowdy Janardhana.