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What’s it about?
The film opens with a king who dies in battle against British officers while valiantly protecting his tribe. In the aftermath, the tribe flees from Srikakulam and takes refuge on a remote island in Sri Lanka, holding on to the hope that one day, a savior will emerge to rescue them.
Seventy years later, Soori (Vijay Deverakonda), a constable, is sent to the island by his superior as an undercover informer. His mission: gather intelligence on a drug cartel that is exploiting the local tribe for smuggling operations.
But Soori has a personal reason for accepting this assignment. He wants to reunite with his estranged brother Shiva (Satyadev), now the trusted head of the village and a key figure the drug cartel relies on.
Will Soori risk his brother’s life to fulfill his duty as a cop? Or will he rise as the long-awaited protector of the tribe?
Analysis
“Kingdom” unfolds as a period drama mounted on an expansive canvas. Director Gowtam Tinnanuri, whose strength lies in crafting emotionally resonant narratives—as evidenced by his previous works, especially Jersey—appears to have been drawn into the allure of large-scale storytelling.
In “Kingdom,” he attempts to blend the emotional heft of Rajamouli’s “Chatrapathi” with the gritty world-building of Prashanth Neel’s “KGF.” Elements such as drug cartels, brotherly sentiment, and a displaced tribe oppressed by a ruthless mafia regime bear striking resemblance to those familiar cinematic universes. As a result, the film struggles to offer a sense of novelty in its premise.
Yet, what distinguishes “Kingdom” is Gowtam’s approach to narration. He anchors the story in a compelling prologue of a king sacrificing his life on the battlefield to protect his people, before transitioning into the world of covert operations and informant-driven drama. It is in this narrative shift that Gowtam manages to draw us into his world, even if the terrain feels somewhat familiar.
I particularly liked several sequences in “Kingdom”—notably, the emotional drama of the two brothers getting separated by a single incident, the information that is withheld and cleverly brought back as a narrative payoff in the second half, and the intense moment when Soori, the protagonist, pleads with the drug cartel to be given a chance. This leads to a gripping and suspense-laden action episode. The forty-minute stretch leading up to the interval is thoroughly engaging, and the interval bang effectively sets the mood for what follows.
However, the latter half reveals several shortcomings in the writing.
The emotional groundwork laid around the brotherly bond does not translate into a compelling payoff. Satyadev’s character, which begins with promise, gradually loses impact and becomes rather ordinary. Bhagyashri’s character, too, turns increasingly passive as the narrative progresses.
More critically, Vijay Deverakonda’s protagonist is kept away from key action for much of the film’s crucial moments, only to be brought back towards the end in an all-guns-blazing climax reminiscent of “KGF.” Unfortunately, this approach feels forced and lacks emotional resonance.
That said, the final sequences that circle back to the film’s opening prologue involving the fallen king are handled with finesse and offer a fitting lead-in to the second part, whether it be a sequel or a prequel.
Yet once again, in reserving the core dramatic material for a future installment, Gowtam Tinnanuri has inadvertently diluted the strength of the main narrative here.
In any film, particularly those aimed at commercial success, the protagonist must be given certain heroic moments. The hero’s journey is expected to fulfil some conventional narrative beats to make the experience truly compelling. Unfortunately, Gowtam Tinnanuri seems to have overlooked these essential elements in his writing here.
Despite showcasing his acting prowess across various films over the past decade, many still regard Vijay Deverakonda’s performance in “Arjun Reddy” as his finest. In “Kingdom,” he deliveres an intense and thoroughly convincing portrayal. He undergoes a complete transformation, both in appearance and emotion, bringing remarkable depth to his character. It’s a fine performance.
Satyadev, who plays Deverakonda’s brother, portrays all important brother character. Though his presence is limited and character is underwhelming, he makes an impact.
Bhagyashree Borse, in her second Telugu appearance, has no meaningful value in the story. Her character becomes just another one in the whole scheme, with no romance between the lead pair and no important sequences. Venkatesh who plays the Murugan has given convincing performance.
Technically, “Kingdom” stands out. Anirudh Ravichander’s compelling background score elevates the drama. But the film has no catchy song at all. That is a big surprise. The cinematography by Jomon and Girish Gangadharan is superb, using rich tones of blue and shadow to reflect the mood of the film. Several visuals remain etched in memory for their striking composition.
Editor Naveen Nooli should have ensured smooth narrative flow. The film needs trimming and some dialogues lack clarity. The production design stays grounded and effective. The decision to shoot extensively on real locations instead of relying on elaborate sets lends the film an organic and immersive feel, adding to its overall authenticity.
Bottom-line: “Kingdom” is built on an ambitious idea (though reminiscent of Chatrapathi and other large-scale films) and features a well-crafted setup, enhanced by striking visuals, and a commendable performance from Vijay Deverakonda. However, the film falters at crucial junctures. The absence of strong heroic moments in the second half, with much seemingly reserved for a future installment, leaves parts of the narrative feeling both familiar and underwhelming.
Rating: 2.75/5
By jalapathy gudelli
Movie: Kingdom
Cast: Vijay Deveraknda, Satyadev, Bhagyashri Borse, and others
Music: Anmerudh raviserand
Dop: Jomon T. John, Girish Gangadharan
Production Design: Avinash Kolla
Editor: Naveen Nooli
Producers: Suryadevara Naga Vamsi, Sai Soujanya
Written and directed by: Gowtam Tinnanuri
Release Date: July 31, 2025
