‘Kingdom’ Movie Review: Vijay Deverakonda’s Spy Thriller Divides Critics and Fans
Gowtam Tinnanuri’s Telugu-language spy action film, Kingdom, featuring Vijay Deverakonda, opened on July 31, 2025, to a mixed reaction from critics and audiences alike.
The Positives
- Vijay Deverakonda’s Performance: Widely praised as one of his most intense and nuanced roles, Deverakonda showcases a clear evolution from his previous work, delivering a standout performance.
- Technical Brilliance: The film impresses with stunning cinematography and tightly choreographed action sequences that create an immersive viewing experience.
- Anirudh Ravichander’s Score: The soundtrack has been applauded for elevating key scenes and enhancing the emotional impact throughout the film.
- Engaging First Half: The initial portion of the movie is gripping and well-paced, effectively setting up the story and keeping viewers hooked.
The Negatives
- Inconsistent Narrative and Pacing: Many reviews note that the second half of the film struggles with uneven pacing and a muddled narrative, attempting to fit too much into the story and losing focus.
- Lack of Emotional Connection: Despite a plot centered on brotherhood and deep themes, the film falls short in building a strong emotional bond between the audience and the characters.
- Forced Sequel Setup: The ending explicitly sets up a sequel, which has frustrated viewers who felt this compromised the story’s resolution and created an unnecessary cliffhanger.
- Controversy: The portrayal of Eelam Tamils has drawn criticism, with accusations of insensitivity and misrepresentation.
| Source | Critic/User Rating |
|---|---|
| Times of India | , |
| Indian Express | |
| India Today | |
| Greatandhra.com | |
| BookMyShow | |
| OTTPlay | |
| Deccan Chronicle |
Overall Verdict
Kingdom is an ambitious film that boasts strong performances, especially from Vijay Deverakonda, along with impressive technical elements. However, its inconsistent storytelling, particularly in the second half, and a clear focus on franchise setup have led to a divided critical response.
While the movie marks a significant box office opening for Deverakonda, the jury remains out on whether it delivers the complete, satisfying spy thriller experience audiences hoped for.