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.