Vijay Deverakonda’s much-anticipated political action drama Kingdom has found itself embroiled in controversy even before its full theatrical release. The film, which recently opened to packed theatres and strong box office numbers, is facing backlash from a section of Tamil audiences and political groups over alleged depictions of Sri Lankan Tamils in a “negative light.” However, the filmmakers have come forward to clarify that there are no such scenes in the film and have urged the public not to jump to conclusions based on misinformation or isolated clips.
The Controversy: Alleged Misrepresentation
The controversy erupted shortly after the film’s early screenings, where a few online posts and short video clips began circulating, claiming that Kingdom portrayed Sri Lankan Tamil refugees as violent extremists or framed them in a manner that was politically insensitive. Social media backlash ensued, with hashtags calling for a boycott of the film trending in certain Tamil Nadu circles.
Some activists and members of Tamil diaspora groups accused the film of being “insulting” to the Tamil community that endured the Sri Lankan Civil War. Several also criticized the timing, alleging that using such a sensitive issue for cinematic thrill amounts to “commercial exploitation of trauma.”
The Makers Respond: “Baseless Allegations”
In a press statement released by the production house, the filmmakers categorically denied the claims, asserting that Kingdom contains no scenes that target or misrepresent the Sri Lankan Tamil community.
“We are deeply disappointed by the misinformation being circulated. We assure our audience that Kingdom does not contain any scene that maligns any community, particularly the Sri Lankan Tamils. This film is a fictional political thriller with no intention to hurt sentiments,” the statement read.
Director Anand Rao also addressed the issue during a press meet, clarifying, “The antagonist in the film is part of a fictional rebel group with no direct reference to any real-world community or historical event. It’s unfortunate that certain scenes are being misinterpreted out of context.”
Vijay Deverakonda’s Silence And Support
While Vijay Deverakonda has yet to directly respond to the controversy, sources close to the actor say he is “aware of the situation” and is backing the director and team in their efforts to address the backlash transparently. Fans of the star have taken to social media to defend him, urging others to watch the full film before forming opinions.
Censorship Board Clears Film
Interestingly, Kingdom had already been cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) without any major cuts or objections. The CBFC’s clearance has added weight to the filmmakers’ defense that no offensive or politically sensitive material targeting any community was included.
A Familiar Pattern in Political Cinema?
This is not the first time a politically-themed South Indian film has faced accusations regarding sensitive ethnic or regional portrayals. In the age of viral misinformation, even a short, out-of-context clip can spark a movement. Critics warn against this rising trend of “trial by social media,” especially before understanding the full narrative arc of a film.
Wait And Watch Before Judging
As Kingdom continues its theatrical run, the production team has called for restraint and responsibility from viewers and social commentators. While the film remains under scrutiny, it also opens a wider conversation about the challenges filmmakers face while portraying fictional political landscapes inspired by real-world conflicts.
For now, audiences are encouraged to judge Kingdom as a whole rather than through the lens of viral fragments. Whether the controversy dies down or escalates further depends largely on how the coming days unfold — but the makers have made their stance loud and clear: “There are no such scenes in the film.”
