Vijay Deverakonda’s Film Draws Backlash Over Portrayal Of Sri Lankan Tamils
Protests held over what is being felt as ‘a distortion of history’
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2025-08-06 15:18 GMT
Protests held over what is being felt as ‘a distortion of history’come under fire from Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), whose cadres staged protests across Tamil Nadu, alleging the film misrepresents Sri Lankan Tamils. Protests were held outside theatres in Madurai, Trichy, with party members demanding a ban on the film. Videos circulating online show agitators tearing down posters of the film.
NTK State Propaganda Secretary Saravanan addressed the media, condemning what he called a distortion of history. “The movie demeans LTTE fighters and Eezham Tamils. They fought for 30 years and died, but are shown as enslaved people living in the mountains.” Protesters also objected to the antagonist — played by Venkatesh — being named after Lord Murugan, a revered Tamil deity, criticising the depiction of Sri Lankan Tamils as villains.
NTK members reportedly met with theatre managements and dispersed only after assurances that a meeting with the film’s distributors would be held to reconsider the screening.
In response, distributors have approached the Madras High Court seeking police protection.