As filmmaker Naga Vamsi gears up for the release of ‘Kingdom’, his upcoming spy thriller starring Vijay Deverakonda, he has come to the actor’s defence amid recent controversies. D

During an interview, Vamsi expressed concern over the public scrutiny Vijay continues to face and described him as being unfairly targeted.

While discussing the challenges ‘Kingdom’ may face especially considering that director Gowtam Tinnanuri hasn’t had a Telugu release since the 2019 hit Jersey starring Nani, Vamsi candidly addressed the polarising attention surrounding Vijay.

He remarked that the actor is being singled out and criticised unnecessarily. According to Vamsi, Vijay has already been facing setbacks with his recent films underperforming, and yet public reaction to his statements only worsens his position.

He cited an incident during the pre-release event of Retro, where Vijay made a controversial comment comparing tribals to terrorists.

The actor said, “They (terrorists) behave like tribals did 500 years ago, fighting without common sense,” a remark that led to legal action under the SC/ST Act.

Vamsi said Vijay’s words were twisted in a subsequent interview as well, further escalating the backlash. The producer feels that the actor is constantly misunderstood and added that, off camera, Vijay comes across as a completely different individual, someone much more measured than his public image suggests.

'People don’t even feel sympathy anymore'

Vamsi acknowledge that in his younger days, Vijay may have made bold or impulsive remarks. However, he believes the actor is not being given a fair chance to move past his earlier image. According to the filmmaker, the level of criticism directed at Vijay is unwarranted, and he questioned why the public shows no empathy towards him.

Kingdom

‘Kingdom’ is an action-packed spy drama directed and written by Gowtam Tinnanuri. It is being produced under the Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas banners by Naga Vamsi and Sai Soujanya.

Alongside Vijay Deverakonda, the film also features Satyadev and Bhagyashri Borse in key roles. With music composed by Anirudh Ravichander, Kingdom is scheduled for release on 31 July and is set to have a sequel.