Vijay Deverakonda's 'Kingdom' Faces Backlash and Apology Amid Protests in Tamil Nadu
Controversy Surrounds 'Kingdom'
The production team behind Vijay Deverakonda's latest film 'Kingdom' has issued an apology following widespread protests in Tamil Nadu. Various groups have accused the film of misrepresenting Tamil culture and offending religious sentiments. Directed by Gautham Tinnanuri, 'Kingdom' premiered internationally on July 31 and quickly became embroiled in controversy.
Official Apology from the Production House
On Wednesday, Sitara Entertainment, the film's production company, released a statement emphasizing that 'Kingdom' is entirely a work of fiction and that there was no intention to offend any community. The statement included an apology for any unintentional hurt caused, expressing respect for the people of Tamil Nadu.
Reasons Behind the Backlash
The protests were initiated by the Tamil nationalist group Naam Tamizhar Katchi (NTK), which claims that the film portrays Sri Lankan Tamils negatively. They have pointed out that the main antagonist is named 'Murugan,' a name that holds significant cultural and religious importance in Tamil society.
Escalation of Protests in Ramanathapuram
The most intense protests occurred in Ramanathapuram district, where NTK supporters gathered outside a cinema. Demonstrators chanted slogans demanding the cessation of screenings and clashed with police who were deployed to manage the situation. Although there were no reported injuries, tensions remained high in various areas of the state.
Plot Overview of 'Kingdom'
In 'Kingdom,' Vijay Deverakonda portrays Surya, a secret agent on a perilous mission. However, his plans go awry, leading to his capture in enemy territory. As he struggles for survival, he unexpectedly forms bonds with the very individuals he was sent to defeat.
Box Office Performance of 'Kingdom'
'Kingdom' debuted strongly, earning Rs 18 crore on its opening day. However, the film saw a significant drop of 58.33% on the second day, with earnings of Rs 7.5 crore. It slightly rebounded on Saturday with Rs 8 crore but continued to decline over the following days, culminating in a total box office collection of Rs 44.40 crore within its first six days.