Vijay Deverakonda's latest film, Kingdom, has landed in a controversy after protests erupted surrounding the film. Members of a nationalist party staged protests outside cinema halls in Tamil Nadu, as a protest in Ramanathapuram escalated
Vijay Deverakonda Kingdom
Actor Vijay Deverakonda's recent release, Kingdom, has landed in a controversy, after protests broke out in Tamil Nadu against the Telugu film. The film, directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, starring Vijay Deverakonda in the lead role, was released worldwide on July 31. The film has now sparked controversy for allegedly portraying Sri Lankan Tamils in a negative light. Besides, protestors are also against naming the antagonist after the Tamil deity Murugan.
Vijay Deverakonda's Kingdom faces protests
The film stars Vijay Deverakonda alongside Bhagyashree, Satyadev, and several other actors in pivotal roles. The film has, however, triggered outrage among Tamil nationalist groups, particularly Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK). The group has accused the filmmakers of hurting Tamil sentiments. The NTK cadres claimed that Vijay's Kingdom depicts Sri Lankan Tamils in a negative light.
They also expressed strong objection to the antagonist being named Murugan, after Lord Murugan, a revered deity among Tamils. The party alleged that the portrayal is not only insensitive but also targeted towards maligning the identity and history of the Tamil people. Angered by these elements, NTK members staged protests outside multiple theatres across Tamil Nadu, demanding a ban on the screening of the film in the state.
Situations escalate in Ramanathapuram
In Ramanathapuram, tensions escalated when NTK cadres tried to block the screening of the film at a local theatre in the vicinity. Protesters reportedly surrounded the venue, raising slogans and demanding an immediate halt to the show. The situation then turned tense when police personnel had to intervene to disperse the crowd.
A scuffle then broke out between the police and NTK members, which resulted in a brief standoff. According to reports, additional forces were deployed to the area to bring the situation under control. As the police managed to restore order, the atmosphere in Ramanathapuram has turned tense, with heavy deployment of security around the theatres screening the film. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries so far from the protest. However, authorities remain on high alert to prevent further escalation.
Meanwhile, Naam Tamilar Katchi has reiterated its requests for the Tamil Nadu government to ban the film by accusing it of promoting anti-Tamil narratives and disrespecting cultural sentiments. Political experts suggest that the controversy could escalate further unless the filmmakers or the censor board issue clarifications addressing the concerns.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
