Despite the political backlash and the controversy that keeps rising, the latest release of the actor does not seem to slow down, commercial-wise.
Vijay Deverakonda, is seen as one of the most popular films of the year with his latest action drama, Kingdom, having not only become mired in a political controversy in Tamil Nadu but also the subject of one of this year most controversial movies. Some political organizations are criticizing the film which is coming under fire because of some lines and depictions that will be called politically sensitive and controversial in the region as the film has opened to full houses all over the South.
Brewing Political Storm
The heads of different regional parties have voiced concerns over what they deemed to be the film as containing a light-handed political agenda and misrepresentation of the facts of history. Even the demand of banning or cutting it has come up by some fringe groups accusing the makers of inciting the divisive feelings. Demonstrations were also outside in Chennai, Madurai and Coimbatore outside some of the theatres facing police deployment to provide extra security.
Responding wisely, the producers said that Kingdom is work of fiction and that any similarity to real life or real world occurrence is merely incidental. Vijay Deverakonda too has made a statement where he requests the audience to watch the movie and not make arbitrary judgments about it.
Box Office: The Protest Was not an Earthquake
Ironically, it seems that the controversy has increased the interest of people. However, despite the boycott press appeals in some regions, Kingdom has registered a sturdy 28 crores plus opening weekend just in South India and according to the trade experts, the trend might further go higher provided the hype sustains.
Multiplex operators in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities are recording occupancy rates close to 100 per cent and bookings are high in the next week as well. Even social media is filled with other such hashtags such as KingdomStorm and #VijayDeverakondaRage which is keeping the momentum going.
What’s Next?
Although, the debate has brought into question the convergence between cinema and politics, Kingdom is now gearing up to be a commercial success with a social divisive story. Most likely to be in the news (good or bad) even after several weeks to come is the film due to its persisting contentious issues and the subsequent increased number of interested parties.
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