In a matter of days, two films have been announced based on Lord Murugan. Following the controversy over the announcement of Jr NTR and Trivikram Srinivas’ film, which termed the deity ‘born in the North’, Dhanush and Vetrimaaran have also announced a film on the subject titled Thamizh Murugan.
Dhanush-Vetrimaaran announce Thamizh Murugan
On Friday evening, Dhanush and Vetrimaaran surprised fans who were expecting an announcement for Vada Chennai 2. Announcing Thamizh Murugan as their next film, they released a video. “The Eternal Protector, warrior, THE KING & LEADER of the Thamizh people and lands. #sonofkottravai,” wrote Dhanush in the caption, adding, “THAMIZH MURUGAN.”
The 1-minute-58-second-long glimpse shows a war scene with soldiers standing in formation as an elephant passes through them with Lord Murugan sitting atop it. Thamizh Murugan is an on-screen adaptation of the historical novel written by Arivumathi. The book narrates the history of Murugan and his significance in Tamil culture, drawing on Tamil literature and Sangam-period traditions.
The controversy surrounding Jr NTR film announcement
When producer Naga Vamsi announced the Jr NTR-Trivikram project, which is rumoured to be titled God of War, he wrote, “Born in the North. Forged in the Heartland. Worshipped in the South. Now… A tale destined to belong to the universe.” Tamilians had taken offence to the terming of the deity as ‘born in the North’.
While the film’s team did not respond to the controversy, many took to social media to protest the film. Tamil Nadu politician Seeman had warned the film’s team of ‘severe repercussions’. Apart from warning the team to change this characterisation, he also asked the Tamil Nadu government and theatre owners to ban the film, which he said ‘distorted’ the state’s culture, predicting law-and-order issues should it be released.
Reddit reacts to Thamizh Murugan announcement
The announcement of Thamizh Murugan sparked off fresh discussion around the Jr NTR film, with many wondering which one was planned beforehand. “Atleast one of them was planned, other looks like a desperate attempt,” wrote one Redditor, but another countered, “which one was planned which one was desperate??”
“This FL of Tamizh Murugan looks like those fanmade one’s,” claimed one. “This movie is about a book ‘thamizh Murugan’ by Arivumathi. Vetri mentioned it before. I’m sure he wont direct a religious film, this is more about language and culture film,” pointed out one Redditor about comparisons to the Jr NTR film. Many others argued if Vetrimaaran or Trivikram would pull off the film better. “This is too funny i can’t,” summed up one person.