The Madras High Court ordered police protection for theatres facing disturbances while airing Vijay Deverakonda's Kingdom. The order comes after the distributor for the film in Tamil Nadu, SSI Productions filed a case appealing for protection.
The film, which is set in Sri Lanka, follows a police officer (Deverakonda) who infiltrates a cartel, in order to save his brother, while bringing the operations of the cartel down. The pushback mainly comes from the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), who have been staging demonstrations outside theatres, stating that by naming the film's antagonist Murugan, the film portrays Sri Lankan Tamils in poor light.
SSI Productions argued that Kingdom hasn't been made with the intent of disparaging anyone, and that it wasn't their intent to portray anyone in bad light.
The counsel for NTK argued that by portraying Sri Lankan Tamils as smugglers, the film shows those people in poor light. It was further stated that any demonstrations that were taking place, were being done in a peaceful manner, and that the party wasn't interfering with the theatres that were airing the film.
The police also clarified from their side, thatcomplaints have been filed and investigations are taking place for any lawless act regarding the airing of Kingdom. They further stated that they will provide protection against any lawless act.
Hearing the arguements of all sides, Judge Bharatha Chakravarthy said, "In a democratic country creators have rights to publish their works. No third party can take matters into their own hands against a film that has obtained a release certificate from the Censor Board. If someone does not agree with the film, then they shouldn't watch the film." He added, "NTK has the right to demonstrate in a peaceful manner. Demonstrations should happen in the allotted place, only after permission has been obtained. The right to protest cannot be denied." The judge further order police protection for theatres facing disturbances.
The film was directed by Gowtham Tinnanuri, with music by Anirudh, with Satyadev, Bhagyashri Borse, Venkitesh, and Manish Chaudhari as part of the cast.