The film starring Jr NTR and Trivikram Srinivas has already become one of the most talked-about projects in South Indian cinema. And though the audience is looking forward to seeing the actor-director duo reunite as one, the first look poster has been causing some trouble.
Jr NTR is going to shoot his next film, Dragon, directed by Prashanth Neel. As his name comes up in another collaboration with Trivikram Srinivas, one of his closest friends in the film industry, the project is currently going on.
The new poster suggests that the film’s story will be inspired by Lord Murugan, also known as Subrahmanya Swamy, a revered deity worshipped widely in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu. Murugan is often referred to as the God of War and has a special place in Tamil culture and religious traditions.
But quite soon after the poster was published, criticism began to emerge from Tamil audiences and social media users.
Objections Over Sanskrit Verse
One of the main concerns raised by critics was the use of a Sanskrit verse in the poster. As a Tamil movie enthusiast, many felt that as Lord Murugan is associated with Tamil heritage and regarded as a cultural and spiritual symbol of Tamil identity, the poster should have been based on Tamil instead of Sanskrit.
In the course of this discussion on the Internet, there were differing opinions on the choice of language. Some people regarded the Sanskrit verse as a religious reference for the old masters and felt the filmmakers missed a great opportunity to make sure that the Tamil language and culture were in the frame.
Producer's Past Remarks Resurface
A few years back, the producer Suryadevara Naga Vamsi’s comments, which he had made in a previous interview that was also taken up by the press, were the source of controversy. According to critics, the producer had suggested that Murugan or Subrahmanya Swamy had northern Indian origins.
The comments have spurred new discussions among social media users, with some questioning the team’s understanding and portrayal of a deity that is very much cherished in Tamil tradition.
DNA Symbol in Trident Draws Criticism
Another part of the poster that has attracted attention is the symbolic artwork used in its design. The poster has a trident-like weapon associated with Lord Murugan. But others noticed that the central part of the weapon appears to contain a DNA-inspired visual element.
Some critics have questioned the creative choice, saying that religious symbols should be portrayed carefully and respectfully. But others have said the imagery may be a deeper narrative or mythological concept that will be revealed when more details about the film emerge.
High Expectations Despite Controversy
Despite all of this, there is high anticipation for the movie. Trivikram Srinivas is among the most successful directors in Telugu cinema and has made movies like Athadu, Jalsa, Khaleja, Julayi, S/O Satyamurthy, and Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo.
The director’s previous collaboration with Jr NTR, Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava, was a huge commercial success. So their reunion has generated huge excitement among the country’s fans.
The filmmakers have not made any official statement on the poster as the campaign is ongoing. The movie is in its early stages, and the team will be watching how they will deal with the issue and move forward with developing one of the most eagerly awaited movies.
