NTK leader seeks Tamil Nadu ban on Jr NTR-Trivikram film over Murugan row
Seeman has asked for a ban on Jr NTR and Trivikram Srinivas's upcoming film in Tamil Nadu over its apparent portrayal of Lord Murugan. The demand follows backlash to the announcement line 'Born in the North' and has widened the debate over faith, identity and creative liberty.
The controversy surrounding Jr NTR and director Trivikram Srinivas' upcoming Telugu film has intensified after Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) chief Seeman called for the film to be banned in Tamil Nadu over its Lord Murugan theme and the growing backlash for the producer's 'Born in the North', which triggered conversation regarding the deity's origins.
In a strongly worded statement shared on X on Sunday, Seeman warned the makers of "severe repercussions" if they proceed with what he described as an attempt to distort Tamil history and culture. He also urged the Tamil Nadu government to prohibit the release of both the Tamil and Telugu versions of the film if the alterations are not made.
Why the film sparked controversy
The row began on June 29 when producer Naga Vamsi announced the yet-untitled film, starring Jr NTR and directed by Trivikram Srinivas. Sharing the announcement, he wrote, "Born in the North. Forged in the Heartland. Worshipped in the South. Now... A tale destined to belong to the universe."
While the makers did not disclose the plot, the announcement poster hinted that the film would centre on Lord Murugan (also known as Karthikeya and Skanda). The phrase "Born in the North" quickly drew criticism from several Tamil social media users, who argued that Lord Murugan is deeply rooted in Tamil culture and questioned the implication that the deity originated in North India.
For the unaware, Lord Murugan is fondly called Tamil Kadavul (God of Tamil people) in Tamil Nadu and many argue that the six abodes for the deity are in the state. However, a section of people pointed out that Lord Murugan did not have a physical birth and was in the North before relocating to the South of India.
Seeman warns makers, seeks ban
Reacting to the controversy, Seeman accused the makers of attempting to rewrite the history of one of Tamil Nadu's most revered deities. Calling the announcement "shocking", he said portraying Lord Murugan as someone born in the northern plains was an insult to Tamil identity and history.
He further alleged that communities lacking their own distinct traditions had historically appropriated Tamil deities, including Sivan, Murugan, Kannan, Thirumal and Kotravai.
"From time immemorial, the most ancient, primal god of Tamils, inseparably intertwined with Tamil culture and way of life, is Lord Muruga Peruman. Tamil is Murugan; Murugan is Tamil; the two are inseparable," Seeman said in his statement.
Warning the film's team against proceeding with the narrative, he added, "I warn that the film crew must immediately abandon their attempts to fabricate and impose fictional tales – such as claiming Lord Muruga was born in the northern plains – under the guise of art. Failure to do so will result in facing the most severe repercussions."
Seeman also appealed to the Tamil Nadu government, theatre owners and distributors to prevent the film's release if the makers did not alter the portrayal.
"Considering that this film, which distorts Tamil culture and is created with the intent to hurt the sentiments of Tamils, could lead to serious law-and-order issues if released, I strongly urge the Tamil Nadu government not to permit the screening of its Tamil or Telugu versions in Tamil Nadu," he said.
Makers yet to respond
The makers have not responded to Seeman's allegations or the growing backlash over Lord Murugan's origin since the announcement. The film has not yet gone on floors and is rumoured to be titled God of War, which is translated as Por Kadavul in Tamil. Lord Murugan is fondly called Por Kadavul in Tamil Nadu.
However, the controversy has already sparked a wider debate on social media over the interpretation of Lord Murugan's origins and the creative liberties filmmakers can take while depicting religious figures.
The controversy surrounding Jr NTR and director Trivikram Srinivas' upcoming Telugu film has intensified after Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) chief Seeman called for the film to be banned in Tamil Nadu over its Lord Murugan theme and the growing backlash for the producer's 'Born in the North', which triggered conversation regarding the deity's origins.
In a strongly worded statement shared on X on Sunday, Seeman warned the makers of "severe repercussions" if they proceed with what he described as an attempt to distort Tamil history and culture. He also urged the Tamil Nadu government to prohibit the release of both the Tamil and Telugu versions of the film if the alterations are not made.
Why the film sparked controversy
The row began on June 29 when producer Naga Vamsi announced the yet-untitled film, starring Jr NTR and directed by Trivikram Srinivas. Sharing the announcement, he wrote, "Born in the North. Forged in the Heartland. Worshipped in the South. Now... A tale destined to belong to the universe."
While the makers did not disclose the plot, the announcement poster hinted that the film would centre on Lord Murugan (also known as Karthikeya and Skanda). The phrase "Born in the North" quickly drew criticism from several Tamil social media users, who argued that Lord Murugan is deeply rooted in Tamil culture and questioned the implication that the deity originated in North India.
For the unaware, Lord Murugan is fondly called Tamil Kadavul (God of Tamil people) in Tamil Nadu and many argue that the six abodes for the deity are in the state. However, a section of people pointed out that Lord Murugan did not have a physical birth and was in the North before relocating to the South of India.
Seeman warns makers, seeks ban
Reacting to the controversy, Seeman accused the makers of attempting to rewrite the history of one of Tamil Nadu's most revered deities. Calling the announcement "shocking", he said portraying Lord Murugan as someone born in the northern plains was an insult to Tamil identity and history.
He further alleged that communities lacking their own distinct traditions had historically appropriated Tamil deities, including Sivan, Murugan, Kannan, Thirumal and Kotravai.
"From time immemorial, the most ancient, primal god of Tamils, inseparably intertwined with Tamil culture and way of life, is Lord Muruga Peruman. Tamil is Murugan; Murugan is Tamil; the two are inseparable," Seeman said in his statement.
Warning the film's team against proceeding with the narrative, he added, "I warn that the film crew must immediately abandon their attempts to fabricate and impose fictional tales – such as claiming Lord Muruga was born in the northern plains – under the guise of art. Failure to do so will result in facing the most severe repercussions."
Seeman also appealed to the Tamil Nadu government, theatre owners and distributors to prevent the film's release if the makers did not alter the portrayal.
"Considering that this film, which distorts Tamil culture and is created with the intent to hurt the sentiments of Tamils, could lead to serious law-and-order issues if released, I strongly urge the Tamil Nadu government not to permit the screening of its Tamil or Telugu versions in Tamil Nadu," he said.
Makers yet to respond
The makers have not responded to Seeman's allegations or the growing backlash over Lord Murugan's origin since the announcement. The film has not yet gone on floors and is rumoured to be titled God of War, which is translated as Por Kadavul in Tamil. Lord Murugan is fondly called Por Kadavul in Tamil Nadu.
However, the controversy has already sparked a wider debate on social media over the interpretation of Lord Murugan's origins and the creative liberties filmmakers can take while depicting religious figures.
