Vijay Deverakonda’s Kingdom sparks outrage in Tamil Nadu over Sri Lankan Tamils and use of lord Murugan's name in film's portrayal

Vijay Deverakonda’s Kingdom sparks outrage in Tamil Nadu over Sri Lankan Tamils and use of lord Murugan's name in film's portrayal

Vijay Deverakonda’s latest film Kingdom has found itself at the center of a major controversy following its release on July 31. Directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, the political thriller has been accused of portraying Sri Lankan Tamils in a negative light, sparking widespread backlash and calls for a ban in Tamil Nadu.

The film, which also stars Satyadev and Bhagyashri Borse, is set in the politically charged landscape of 1990s Sri Lanka. Deverakonda plays an undercover cop navigating personal and professional challenges, a role that has been widely praised for its intensity. However, the storyline and characterisations have not gone down well with certain political groups in Tamil Nadu.

The primary opposition has come from members of Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), who allege that Kingdom depicts Sri Lankan Tamils as villains, thus maligning the identity and historical struggle of Tamil people. NTK has also taken strong objection to the film’s antagonist being named after Lord Murugan, a revered Tamil deity. According to them, this is a deeply insensitive move that hurts religious and cultural sentiments.

On August 6, protests escalated across Tamil Nadu, with NTK supporters staging demonstrations outside various theatres screening the film. In some places, protests reportedly turned violent, prompting police intervention to control the situation. The demand for a complete ban on Kingdom is growing louder, with NTK warning of continued agitation if action is not taken against the filmmakers.

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Despite the backlash, Kingdom continues to draw attention nationwide and is expected to find a larger audience when it streams on Netflix. The production team has confirmed the film’s digital release but has not yet announced the official OTT premiere date.

While the film’s makers have yet to issue an official response to the controversy, the situation remains tense. With mounting pressure and political unrest, the future of Kingdom in Tamil Nadu theatres appears uncertain. As debates over artistic freedom and cultural sensitivity continue, the film has inadvertently ignited a larger conversation about representation and responsibility in Indian cinema.