Vijay Deverakonda Kingdom Movie Review: Vijay Deverakonda’s much-anticipated Telugu action drama, Kingdom, hit theaters on July 31, 2025, and it’s been the talk of the town ever since. Directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, known for his emotionally resonant films like Jersey and Malli Raava, this spy thriller promised a blend of high-octane action, emotional depth, and Vijay’s signature intensity. With a stellar cast including Satyadev, Bhagyashri Borse, and a haunting score by Anirudh Ravichander, Kingdom had all the ingredients for a blockbuster. But does it live up to the hype? As a fan of Vijay and Tollywood cinema, I went into the theater with high expectations, and here’s my take on whether Kingdom delivers the punch or falls short of its grand ambitions.
Table of Contents
A Promising Premise with a Brotherly Bond
Kingdom introduces us to Suri (Vijay Deverakonda), a fiery police constable with a knack for landing in trouble due to his impulsive nature. His personal mission is to reconnect with his estranged brother, Shiva (Satyadev), who ran away from home during their childhood. Set against a socio-political backdrop, the story takes a thrilling turn when Suri is roped into an undercover mission in Sri Lanka, where Shiva is now a key figure in a smuggling cartel. The film’s premise is intriguing, blending themes of brotherhood, betrayal, and redemption with the gritty world of espionage. It’s the kind of story that could easily resonate with audiences, especially those who love emotionally charged action dramas.
- Core Plot Points:
- Suri’s journey from a small-town constable to an undercover agent is compelling.
- The brotherly bond between Suri and Shiva forms the emotional heart of the film.
- The setting in Sri Lanka adds a fresh, international flavor to the narrative.
However, while the premise sets the stage for an epic tale, the execution sometimes feels like it’s trying to juggle too many elements—spy thriller, family drama, and socio-political commentary—without fully committing to one.
Vijay Deverakonda’s Performance: A Return to Form?
Vijay Deverakonda has had a rough patch with recent films like Liger and The Family Star failing to impress at the box office. Fans were eagerly awaiting Kingdom to mark his comeback, and in many ways, Vijay delivers. As Suri, he brings a raw, grounded intensity that feels authentic. His portrayal of a man torn between duty and personal longing is heartfelt, especially in scenes where he yearns for closure with his brother. Vijay’s action sequences are a highlight, showcasing his physicality and commitment to the role. Whether he’s throwing punches in a gritty bridge fight or delivering a steely glare, he commands the screen.
That said, some critics on X have pointed out that Vijay’s performance, while strong, occasionally feels overshadowed by his “rowdy” persona, which we’ve seen in previous roles. A few moments of overacting, especially in emotionally charged scenes, slightly dilute the impact. Still, this is one of Vijay’s most mature performances, and it’s clear he’s poured his heart into making Suri a relatable, flawed hero.
- Standout Moments:
- Vijay’s emotional scenes with Satyadev are raw and moving.
- His action sequences, particularly the interval block, are high-energy and well-executed.
- Subtle moments of vulnerability showcase his growth as an actor.
Technical Brilliance: Visuals and Music Steal the Show
One of Kingdom’s biggest strengths is its technical prowess. Cinematographers Girish Gangadharan and Jomon T. John craft a visually stunning experience, with moody, sepia-toned sequences that set a brooding tone. The opening scene, set off the coast of Srikakulam in the 1920s, is particularly striking, immersing you in a world of misty landscapes and intense battles. The film’s muted color palette perfectly complements its gritty narrative, making every frame feel like a painting.
Anirudh Ravichander’s background score is another standout. His music elevates even the most mundane scenes, adding a haunting, pulsating energy that keeps you hooked. Fans on X have called his BGM “mind-blowing” and “electrifying,” and I couldn’t agree more. Tracks like Ragile Ragile capture Suri’s emotional turmoil beautifully, while the action sequences are amplified by Anirudh’s signature high-octane beats. However, some have speculated that Anirudh’s contribution to the BGM might not be as extensive as expected, which slightly tempers the praise.
- Technical Highlights:
- Cinematography creates a rich, immersive world.
- Anirudh’s score adds emotional and dramatic weight.
- Editing by Naveen Nooli is crisp, though the pacing falters in the second half.
A Mixed Bag: Narrative Strengths and Weaknesses
Gowtam Tinnanuri is known for his ability to weave emotional depth into his stories, and Kingdom starts strong in this regard. The first half is engaging, with a well-crafted introduction, solid world-building, and an interval block that sets up high expectations for the second half. The relationship between Suri and Shiva is the emotional anchor, and their reunion scenes are poignant, thanks to the chemistry between Vijay and Satyadev.
However, the film stumbles in the second half. The screenplay feels stretched, and the narrative loses focus as it tries to balance action, drama, and a setup for a sequel. Many viewers on X have echoed this sentiment, noting that the climax feels rushed and overly reliant on voiceovers, which dilutes the emotional payoff. The antagonist, Murugan (Venkitesh V.P.), is menacing but underutilized, and his arc feels clichéd compared to the nuanced brotherly bond. The film’s ambition to be a pan-India spectacle sometimes overshadows its emotional core, leaving you wanting more depth.
- What Works:
- The first half is tightly paced and emotionally engaging.
- The brotherly bond is relatable and well-acted.
- Action sequences are stylish and thrilling.
- What Doesn’t:
- The second half feels rushed and predictable.
- Emotional depth takes a backseat to franchise-building.
- Some characters, like Bhagyashri Borse’s, are underdeveloped.
Box Office Buzz and Audience Reactions
Kingdom has generated significant buzz, with pre-sales crossing 135,000 tickets on BookMyShow, making it one of the top Telugu films of 2025 in terms of advance bookings. Its US premiere grossed over $650,000, signaling strong overseas interest. Social media reactions are mixed but lean positive, with fans praising Vijay’s performance and Anirudh’s music while criticizing the uneven pacing. One X user called it a “blockbuster” with a 4.5/5 rating, while another gave it a scathing 0.75/5, labeling it an “epic disaster.” The consensus seems to be that Kingdom is a solid, if flawed, entertainer that works best for Vijay’s fans.
- Audience Feedback:
- Fans hail Vijay’s “peak performance” and Anirudh’s BGM.
- Critics note pacing issues and a weak second half.
- Box office projections suggest a strong opening weekend.
Final Verdict: Worth the Watch?
Kingdom is a film of highs and lows. Vijay Deverakonda delivers a compelling performance, and the technical aspects—cinematography, music, and action—make it a visual treat. However, the narrative struggles to maintain its momentum, and the rushed climax leaves you with more questions than answers, especially with a sequel on the horizon. If you’re a Vijay fan or love action dramas with a touch of emotion, Kingdom is worth a watch, but don’t expect a game-changer. With a rating of 3/5, it’s a decent effort that could have been great with a tighter script. Go in with moderate expectations, and you’ll likely enjoy the ride.