Chennai, August 7, 2025 — The makers of Vijay Deverakonda’s latest film Kingdom have issued a formal apology following widespread protests across Tamil Nadu. The controversy stems from allegations that the film misrepresents Tamil identity and portrays Sri Lankan Tamils in a negative light, sparking outrage among political and cultural groups.
The protests, led primarily by the Tamil nationalist party Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), intensified after the film’s theatrical release on July 31. Demonstrators objected to the naming of the antagonist as ‘Murugan’—a name associated with a revered Tamil deity—and accused the film of maligning the cultural and historical identity of Tamils. In several districts, including Ramanathapuram, NTK supporters staged demonstrations outside cinema halls, tore down posters, and called for a statewide ban on the film. Police were deployed to manage crowds and prevent escalation, with minor scuffles reported in some areas.
In response, Sithara Entertainments, the production house behind Kingdom, released a public statement expressing regret and clarifying the film’s intent. “We hereby confirm that we respect the sentiments of the Tamil people, and we promise that there are no such scenes in the movie that are intended to hurt the sentiments of the local people,” the statement read. The producers emphasized that Kingdom is a work of fiction, with no connection to real communities or events, and reiterated that this disclaimer is clearly stated in the film.
Directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, Kingdom stars Vijay Deverakonda as an undercover cop navigating personal and professional conflicts in 1990s Sri Lanka. The film also features Satyadev, Venkatesh, and Bhagyashri Borse in pivotal roles. Despite a strong opening day collection of ₹18 crore, the film’s box office performance has since declined, with cumulative earnings standing at ₹43.15 crore as of Day 5.
While the filmmakers have urged audiences to support the movie, the controversy continues to raise questions about cultural representation and sensitivity in mainstream cinema. Security remains heightened in affected areas, and further developments are being closely monitored.
