Latest news with #Pro-Tamil
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Tamil Nadu govt will provide protection to theatres screening Vijay Deverakonda's Kingdom amid protests
Gowtam Tinnanuri's Vijay Devarakonda-starrer Kingdom is facing stiff opposition from Tamil groups over the depiction of Sri Lankan Tamils in the film as villain. The situation is such that there are concerns about the film being screened peacefully in Tamil Nadu. Kingdom: Vijay Deverakonda plays a police constable turned spy called Suri in the Gowtam Tinnanuri film. TN Police to protect theatres screening Kingdom The Madras High Court on Thursday placed on record the undertaking given by the Tamil Nadu state police that they would provide protection, if needed, to the movie theatres, where the film is screened. Pro-Tamil outfit Naam Thamizhar Katchi (NTK) has staged protests in various parts of the state, interrupting screenings of Kingdom. Government advocate (criminal side) gave the undertaking when the petition filed by M/s SSI Production came up for hearing before Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy. In its petition, SSI Production sought a direction to the police authorities to provide adequate police protection to the theatres to enable the peaceful and uninterrupted screening of the film Kingdom, and further to restrain Seeman (Chief Coordinator of NTK) and his followers from interfering with the lawful screening of the film. What is the controversy In his order, the judge said when the censor board has certified the film, no third party could prevent the exhibition of the movie. If any threat was made by any individual or organisation, action should be taken against them, the judge said. At the same time, if Seeman, Chief Coordinator of Naam Tamilar Katchi and his party cadres wanted to express their dissent, they could hold a protest after getting permission from the police. They have the liberty to express their contrary view. But, they could conduct the agitation only in a lawful manner, the judge added. Kingdom, produced by Sithara Entertainments and directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, stars Vijay Devarakonda in the lead role. Tamil outfits have taken offence to how Sri Lankan Tamils are depicted as the villains the film, and the primary antagonist is named Murugan. Despite the protests, Kingdom has had a successful run at the box office, earning over ₹75 crore worldwide in a week. The makers are planning to release the film in Sri Lanka now. (With PTI inputs)
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Fake apology letter from makers of Vijay Deverakonda's Kingdom circulates amid protests over portrayal of Lankan Tamils
Gowtam Tinnanuri's Vijay Deverakonda, Satyadev, Venkitesh, and Bhagyashri Borse-starrer Kingdom is facing flak for its portrayal of Sri Lankan Tamils as villains. Pro-Tamil outfit Naam Thamizhar Katchi (NTK) staged protests in Trichy, tore down posters, and stopped the film's screenings. Now, a fake apology letter from Sithara Entertainments, the producers of the film, is doing the rounds on social media. (Also Read: Protesters tear posters, demand ban on Vijay Deverakonda's Kingdom for villainous portrayal of Sri Lankan Tamils) Vijay Deverakonda's Kingdom ran into trouble for its portrayal of Sri Lankan Tamils as villainous. Fake apology letter from Kingdom makers doing rounds Sithara Entertainments or their representatives have not posted anything about the protest on social media or talked to the press about it. But soon, a letter claiming to be from the production house began doing the rounds online. It reads: 'We hereby confirm that we respect the sentiments of the Tamil people, and we promise that there are no scenes in the movie that are intended to hurt the sentiments of the local people. The story is completely fictional and imaginary. This is clearly mentioned in the disclaimer portion of the movie. If the sentiments of the people are hurt, we regret the incident. We kindly request you to support the movie.' However, a spokesperson for the production house confirmed to Hindustan Times that the letter was fake. When asked if the production house sent out an apology letter, the rep replied, 'It's fake.' Kingdom to release in Sri Lanka What's more, the producers are planning to now release Kingdom in Sri Lanka amid the protests. The film's team shared the news on social media that the film will be released there on 8 August. They wrote, 'Sri Lanka. Get Ready to Witness the Action-packed Spy Saga #KINGDOM (Tamil). Releasing Grandly in theatres on August 8th.' A theatre list was also released for those interested in watching the film. Meanwhile, the NTK staged protests across Trichy and claimed that the portrayal of Sri Lankan Tamils in the film was offensive. One video taken at the Jagan Theatre in Ramanathapuram shows protesters climbing up the roof of the theatre despite the police presence and ripping down the Kingdom poster. The Tamil outfit also took offence to Venkitesh's character being named after Lord Murugan despite being the main antagonist.
