A newly released Telugu film titled Kingdom has come under fire for its portrayal of Eelam Tamils, with widespread criticism erupting online and calls for the film to be banned.
The film, which premiered worldwide earlier today, has ignited outrage among Tamils for its depiction of Jaffna Tamils as antagonists, presenting them as mistreating Indian characters. Viewers have denounced the narrative as deeply offensive and rooted in dangerous, revisionist tropes that distort the history and lived experiences of Tamils.
The film stars Vijay Deverakonda alongside Satyadev and Bhagyashri Borse, and is directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri.
Social media platforms have seen an outpouring of condemnation, with many condemning the film’s premise and demanding accountability from its creators.
Jaat, The Family Man, and more.. pic.twitter.com/OK9zEW4TI3
— Films and Stuffs (@filmsandstuffs) July 31, 2025
The backlash comes amid growing scrutiny of how the Eelam Tamils, the Tamil genocide and the ethnic conflict are represented in Indian cinema.
#Kingdom interval - movie has portrayed Jaffna tamils as evil people who oppressed Indians who migrated to Srilanka .
— Prashanth Rangaswamy (@itisprashanth) July 31, 2025
Why do this @TheDeverakonda ? And you come to Tamilnadu to promote this movie ?
Earlier this year, a Tamil Guardian opinion piece titled “Bollywood’s Tamil Eelam Problem” highlighted the long-standing issue of Indian films misrepresenting Eelam Tamils and the Tamil liberation struggle.
Kingdom has now become the latest flashpoint in that debate. Viewers have accused the filmmakers of choosing sensationalism over sensitivity, particularly in framing Eelam Tamils who have endured decades of military violence, displacement, and systemic discrimination, as the aggressors.
While the filmmakers have yet to respond to the criticism, the uproar is growing. As public pressure mounts, the conversation around cinematic accountability and historical revisionism in Indian cinema is once again being thrust into the spotlight.
