Protests erupt over Vijay Deverakonda’s ‘Kingdom’ in Tamil Nadu

Anger has erupted in several parts of Tamil Nadu after the release of the Telugu film ‘Kingdom’, directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri and starring Vijay Deverakonda.

The film, which hit theatres globally on July 31, has triggered major controversy, especially among Tamil nationalist groups.

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At the heart of the issue are two things: the way Sri Lankan Tamils are shown in the film, and the name of the main villain, which matches that of Lord Murugan, a god deeply respected by the Tamil community.

According to Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), a regional political party, ‘Kingdom’ shows Sri Lankan Tamils in a poor light. The party has also objected to the antagonist being named after Lord Murugan, which they believe is not just offensive, but also a deliberate attempt to insult Tamil identity and beliefs.

NTK members wasted no time in taking to the streets. Protests were held outside many theatres across Tamil Nadu where the film is being shown. The party has demanded that the movie be immediately banned in the state.

In Ramanathapuram, the protests became more intense. NTK supporters reportedly tried to stop the screening of the film at one of the local theatres. This created a tense situation, though it was brought under control before things turned violent.

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NTK leaders have strongly criticised the filmmakers, accusing them of being careless and irresponsible with sensitive cultural matters. They say that the portrayal of Sri Lankan Tamils as villains is not just misleading but deeply hurtful. This is especially to communities who have already suffered through years of conflict and trauma.

Supporters of the party argue that cinema should not be used to rewrite or twist history. They also feel that naming the villain after Lord Murugan shows a complete lack of understanding of the community’s faith and culture.

So far, the filmmakers have not released an official statement responding to the protests or the backlash. Meanwhile, police presence around theatres screening ‘Kingdom’ has been increased in areas where protests are expected to continue.