Vijay Deverakonda's much-anticipated film Kingdom, directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, has landed in controversy following accusations from Naam Thamizhar Katchi (NTK), a pro-Tamil party, that the movie disrespects Sri Lankan Tamils. The party expressed its discontent over the portrayal of LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) fighters and Tamils from Sri Lanka, claiming the film degrades their struggle and history. NTK even called for a ban on the film’s screening, with protests occurring outside theatres in Madurai and Trichy.
Responding to the criticism, Sithara Entertainments, the production house behind Kingdom, issued a statement categorically denying any disrespect towards Sri Lankan Tamils. They clarified that the film is entirely fictional and does not aim to represent real-life events or individuals. The production house emphasized that the film’s disclaimer makes it clear that the story is purely imaginary. Furthermore, Sithara Entertainments expressed regret if the film's content inadvertently hurt anyone's sentiments, but appealed for public support, asking viewers to engage with the film as a work of fiction.
Despite the controversy, Kingdom had a solid opening at the box office on July 31, releasing in multiple languages. However, it has seen a decline in ticket sales over the past week. The film, which revolves around a cop-turned-spy who becomes the savior of the Divi tribe, has garnered mixed reactions due to its depiction of sensitive historical themes. Distributors in Tamil Nadu have even sought police protection in light of the protests. While the film's controversy continues to stir strong emotions, its reception at the box office and its future screenings depend on how this issue is resolved.
