Kingdom

The basic plot and the core characters do have potential, and the first half manages to hold mild interest. But from the get-go, the storytelling feels a bit patchy, and by the time the second half arrives, the film begins to lose steam completely. Many scenes feel flat, emotions don't land as intended, and the narrative never really builds momentum. The climax is just about okay-neither satisfying nor disappointing, just safely passable.

Vijay Devarakonda is a talented actor who has delivered few brilliant performances in the past and a few that fell short but this stands out to be his weakest performance to date.

Satya Dev also brings a grounded intensity to his role.

Bhagyashree looks fine, but her acting doesn't rise above average-it might be time she explores more glamorous roles that play to her strengths.

The rest of the cast are serviceable and do their job without any major highs or lows.

On the brighter side, the technical departments shine. The production values are impressive-locations are picturesque, sets and props are tastefully designed, and the costumes and makeup are neatly done. The cinematography is rich and adds visual appeal, while the background score enhances a few key moments, though it doesn't stay memorable. Two of the fight sequences stand out with slick choreography and decent buildup-they offer some of the film's rare bursts of energy.

The direction doesn't falter entirely, but it doesn't elevate the film either. With a sharper script and more emotional depth, this could have been a far more engaging watch. As it stands, it's a film that plays it safe and ends up being just about tolerable. Not a must-watch by any means, but if the trailers caught your eye or you're a loyal Vijay Devarakonda fan, it might just pass the time.

"Kingdom" (2025) is a film that ultimately struggles to captivate, despite a truly terrific and excellent performance from Vijay Deverakonda. While Deverakonda delivers on his promise of a strong portrayal, the film's narrative execution, particularly in its storytelling and screenplay, falls significantly short of making it an engaging cinematic experience.

Vijay Deverakonda is undoubtedly the film's greatest asset. He carries the movie with his intense screen presence and delivers a compelling performance that stands out. His dedication to the role is evident, and he proves his capabilities even when the material around him falters.

However, the core narrative of "Kingdom" feels underdeveloped and lacks a cohesive flow. The storytelling struggles to maintain momentum, making it difficult for the audience to stay invested in the plot. The screenplay appears to be one of the film's major weaknesses, preventing the story from unfolding in a consistently engaging manner. This leads to parts of the film feeling rather average and failing to capture the viewer's full attention.

While the film may boast impressive visuals or a strong background score (as per other reviews), these elements are ultimately overshadowed by the uninspired plot and its execution. The lack of a gripping narrative arc means that even the high points don't land with the impact they should.

Overall, "Kingdom" (2025) is a film that might appeal to fans of Vijay Deverakonda, who delivers a noteworthy performance. However, its weak story narration and unengaging screenplay prevent it from being a truly satisfying or memorable cinematic outing.

Positives: Excellent camera work, Vijay Deverakonda's presence, some good Anirudh music, initial Hyderabad constable scenes, high production values, authentic Sri Lankan/South Indian locations, and an attempt to blend an old template with a new visual style.

Negatives: Overly layered, confusing screenplay with illogical plot developments; unclear character motivations; lack of detail and clarity; clichéd and ineffective heroine track; frustrating and silly proceedings in both halves; routine plot tropes (tribal/saviour/chosen one); ineffective sentiment; nothing new musically from Anirudh; too many familiar elements; unrealistic makeovers for a period drama.

Anirudh Ravichandran's initial impression of "Kingdom," stating that the first 40 minutes looked great, holds true; however, had he seen the entire film, his statement might have been different. The movie felt disjointed, as if two different screenwriters worked on the first and second halves. The opening act effectively established a proper spy thriller atmosphere, building tension and intrigue. Unfortunately, the latter half abruptly shifted into a generic "saviour temple" narrative without a cohesive blend, losing the focus and tension that made the initial spy phase so engaging.

The film missed several crucial opportunities to elevate its narrative. Firstly, the villain and their motivations remained underdeveloped, leaving it unclear whether their actions stemmed from regional discrimination or simply a problematic psyche. This lack of depth prevented the audience from building any genuine hatred or understanding towards them. Secondly, the emotional stakes felt low, particularly before the pivotal revolt scene, which needed more emotional groundwork. Furthermore, the relationship between the hero and heroine, as well as the bond between the hero and his brother's Family, lacked sufficient development, diminishing their impact on the story.

Finally, the movie's approach to setting up a sequel felt heavy-handed. Instead of a background voice explicitly detailing future events, a more visual display would have been preferable, allowing the audience to interpret and discuss possibilities. This approach would leave room for reviewers to analyze and break down potential plotlines, fostering a more engaging post-viewing experience. Additionally, certain scenes felt abruptly cut, and the "AI shots" in the second half were noticeably strange, further detracting from the overall cinematic flow.

The first half of the movie was somewhat watchable. But the second half was extremely slow, which was completely unexpected! The movie ended up being a total disappointment. I had thought this would be Vijay Deverakonda's comeback film after Liger-but I was disappointed once again.

Lately, it seems that no matter how average a movie is, people are desperately trying to make sequels-2nd, 3rd, or even 4th parts!

Perhaps the director thought he was creating a masterpiece, but instead, he made garbage.

If you have extra time on your hands, you can give it a watch.

Thank you, everyone.