NTK leader demands ban on Jr NTR-Trivikram film in Tamil Nadu over Murugan controversy
Seeman has demanded a ban on Jr NTR and Trivikram Srinivas’ upcoming film in Tamil Nadu over its explicit portrayal of Lord Murugan. The demand comes after the reaction to the announcement of ‘Born in the North’ and has widened the debate on faith, identity and creative freedom.
The controversy surrounding Jr NTR and director Trivikram Srinivas’ upcoming Telugu film has intensified with Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) chief Seeman calling for the film to be banned in Tamil Nadu due to the Lord Murugan theme and the growing reaction to the producer’s ‘Born in the North’, sparking conversations about the origin of the deity.
In a strongly worded statement shared on He also urged the Tamil Nadu government to ban the release of both the Tamil and Telugu versions of the film if changes were not made.
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Why was there controversy over the film?
The controversy 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. Worshiped in the South. Now… a story that belongs to the universe.”
Although the makers did not reveal the plot, the announcement poster hinted that the film will focus on Lord Murugan (also known as Karthikeya and Skanda). The phrase “Born in the North” was immediately criticized by many 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 those unaware, Lord Murugan in Tamil Nadu is fondly called Tamil Kadavul (Lord of the Tamil people) and many argue that the deity has six abodes 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 shifting to the south of India.
Seaman warns manufacturers, demands ban
Reacting to the controversy, Seeman accused the makers of attempting to rewrite the history of one of Tamil Nadu’s most revered deities. Describing the announcement as “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 that lack their own distinct traditions have historically adopted Tamil deities, including Sivan, Murugan, Kannan, Thirumal and Kotravai.
Seeman said in his statement, “Since ancient times, the most ancient, primordial deity of the Tamils, who is inseparably linked with the Tamil culture and way of life, is Lord Muruga Peruman. Tamil is Murugan; Murugan is Tamil; both are inseparable.”
He cautioned the film team against going ahead with the narrative, saying, “I caution that the film crew should immediately abandon their attempts to fabricate and impose imaginary stories in the guise of art – such as claiming that Lord Muruga was born in the northern plains. Failure to do so will result in the most serious consequences.”
Seeman also appealed to the Tamil Nadu government, theater owners and distributors to stop the release of the film if the producers did not change the depiction.
He said, “Keeping in mind that this film, which distorts Tamil culture and is made with the intention of hurting the sentiments of Tamils, may give rise to serious law-and-order issues if released, I strongly urge the Government of Tamil Nadu not to allow the screening of its Tamil or Telugu version in Tamil Nadu.”
Manufacturers have not responded yet
The makers have not responded to Seaman’s allegations or the growing backlash over the origin of Lord Murugan since the announcement. The film has not gone on floors yet and is rumored to be titled God of War, which translates to Por Kadavul In Tamil. Lord Murugan is fondly called Por Kadavul In Tamil Nadu.
However, the controversy has already sparked widespread debate on social media over the interpretation of Lord Murugan’s origin and the creative liberties taken by filmmakers while portraying religious figures.