Vijay Deverakonda Intense Comeback in a Visually Striking Spy Drama
Kingdom (2025) arrives with sky-high expectations—and for good reason. With Vijay Deverakonda leading the charge and Gowtam Tinnanuri (Jersey, Malli Raava) directing, this Telugu-language action drama was set up to be a cinematic event. Blending espionage, emotional drama, and mystical undertones, the film hits plenty of high notes, though not without a few stumbles along the way.
In this Kingdom movie review, we look at what makes the film work—and what keeps it from becoming truly great.
A Story That Swings for the Fences
Set against the backdrop of early 1990s Sri Lanka, Kingdom opens with a flashback to 1920s Srikakulam, where a tribal warrior’s tale sets the stage for a prophecy that echoes through generations. Fast-forward to the present, and we meet Suri (Vijay Deverakonda), a low-ranking cop searching for his long-lost brother, Siva (Satyadev). But things get complicated when Suri’s undercover mission reveals that Siva is deeply embedded in a dangerous smuggling network.
The plot attempts to fuse intense action, family drama, and mythic storytelling. Think Deewar meets Chatrapathi, with a sprinkle of Bharateeyudu-style grit. While the setup is compelling and the stakes feel real, the second half struggles with pacing and emotional follow-through.
Performances: Vijay Deverakonda is Back in Form
After a couple of career missteps, Vijay Deverakonda bounces back strong. As Suri, he plays it much more grounded than usual, delivering one of his most restrained, nuanced performances yet. His moments of quiet grief, internal conflict, and explosive emotion make you root for him—hard.
Satyadev, as the elder brother Siva, adds gravitas with a stoic, subtle performance, especially in the prison reunion scene. Bhagyashri Borse, though limited by screen time and a half-baked romantic arc, makes a decent debut. Supporting actors like Manish Chaudhari, Rohini, and Venkitesh round out the cast with impactful, if brief, turns.
Direction & Writing: Ambition vs Execution
Director Gowtam Tinnanuri clearly aimed for something epic. The emotional beats—especially between brothers—are signature Tinnanuri. But as the film shifts gears into spy thriller territory, the narrative loses steam. The first half is engaging and well-structured, but the second half feels rushed, with too much exposition and too little payoff.
Lines like “There’s something in this soil…” try to add thematic weight but often come off as forced. The cliffhanger ending sets the stage for a sequel, but the payoff here is underwhelming.
Visuals & Music: A Feast for the Senses
Kingdom is technically stunning. Cinematographers Girish Gangadharan and Jomon T. John make every frame feel cinematic, from moody beach landscapes to gritty prison interiors. The visual storytelling shines in scenes like the boat struggle and the soap-suds aftermath.
Anirudh Ravichander’s music deserves a special shoutout. His background score elevates even the quieter moments, and tracks like Ragile Ragile deepen the emotional undercurrent. However, fans were disappointed by the exclusion of Hridayam Lopala from the final cut.
Strengths & Weaknesses
What Works
- Vijay Deverakonda’s performance is raw and real—possibly his best to date.
- Strong emotional core, especially in the brotherly bond.
- Cinematography that’s rich and immersive.
- Anirudh’s score delivers tension and heart.
- First half is well-paced and exciting.
What Doesn’t
- Second half loses focus with predictable twists.
- Flat writing in some emotional scenes and dialogues.
- Underdeveloped characters, especially the female lead and the antagonist.
- Lack of high-impact moments, especially for a film with such an epic setup.
Audience & Box Office Buzz
Despite mixed reviews, Kingdom opened to a strong box office showing—over ₹15.75 crore on day one globally, including a solid \$650K from the U.S. Fans praised Vijay’s comeback and Anirudh’s music, while critics were more reserved, highlighting the inconsistent tone and emotional disconnect in the second half.
Online, fans are calling it a “massive visual ride” and a “strong return” for Vijay. Others feel it’s a “one-time watch” with more style than substance.
Final Verdict: Worth the Hype?
Kingdom isn’t perfect. It’s ambitious, beautifully shot, and boasts a powerful lead performance, but falls short of becoming the genre-defining epic it sets out to be. Still, it’s a solid step forward for Vijay Deverakonda and a visual treat for action drama lovers.
⭐ Rating: 3/5
🎯 Best For:
Fans of spy dramas, Vijay Deverakonda loyalists, and those looking for something more grounded than your usual masala action fare.
📍Where to Watch:
Now playing in theaters (Telugu, Tamil, Hindi). OTT release expected soon on Netflix.
