Vijay Deverakonda’s much-talked-about action drama Kingdom is set for release in Sri Lanka on August 8, 2025, even as protests continue in Tamil Nadu over the film’s portrayal of Sri Lankan Tamils. Directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, the filmmaker behind Jersey, Kingdom will be screened in Tamil across 20 theatres in Sri Lanka, expanding its reach beyond India and making its mark on international screens.
However, the film’s Sri Lankan release hasn’t been without controversy. In Tamil Nadu, Naam Thamizhar Katchi (NTK), a prominent pro-Tamil political party, staged protests in cities like Tiruchy and Madurai. They alleged that the movie misrepresents Sri Lankan Tamils and demanded an outright ban on its screening. Responding to the protests, theatre owners sought protection, and the matter was brought before the Madras High Court.
The court allowed the protests to proceed peacefully but refused to ban the movie. It stated that dissent is a part of democracy and cannot be curbed without legal justification. Meanwhile, the film’s production house, Sithara Entertainments, clarified that the movie is a work of fiction and carries an on-screen disclaimer to that effect. They denied any deliberate attempt to hurt Tamil sentiments and expressed regret if any viewers were offended, requesting public support for the film.
Produced by Naga Vamsi and Sai Soujanya, Kingdom features a strong ensemble cast including Satya Dev, Bhagyashri Borse, and Malayalam actor Venkitesh, who makes his Tollywood debut. The plot centers on a former police officer who becomes a spy and later the protector of the fictional Divi tribe, with much of the film set in Sri Lanka.
The film had a theatrical release across India and overseas on July 31, receiving mixed reviews from Telugu critics and audiences. Its soundtrack, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, has been praised for elevating the cinematic intensity of the action sequences.
As the film enters a new market amid political tension and cultural sensitivities, all eyes are on how Tamil-speaking audiences in Sri Lanka will respond to its narrative. Whether the protests will impact its box office performance remains to be seen, but Kingdom is undoubtedly in the spotlight.
