Kingdom

People walked in to watch Kingdom hoping this can be the Vijay Deverakonda comeback the audience is rooting for, and performance wise, it completely lives up to those expectations. But the film's screenplay and writing play a faltering part. VD makes a roar with his acting in the film. Satyadev Kancharana also supports really well. Bhagyashri Borse has minimal screentime and her character doesn't leave any impact. The initial runtime of the movie is well written and draws you into its world along the interval block. Other than that, the progression remains gradual. Anirudh's background score plays a strong part in elevating scenes. The camera work is impressive and the frames look cinematically fascinating in storytelling.

The film had immense potential to draw you in 3/3 emotionally but it largely misses those high moments you expect from Gowtham Tinnanuri as a director. When the emotional buildup finally leads to the reveal, the payoff feels flat. The second half suffers in terms of engagement due to underwhelming subplots, an unsatisfying backstory around the 'chosen one' arc, and an antagonist played by Venkitesh VP, whose motivations fail to leave an impact. The climax feels rushed and does not land on a note you would expect from a film with this kind of tonality. Overall, Kingdom scores well in performances and technical aspects but falters in its storytelling and emotional resonance.

OVERALL 6/10.

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 is a cinematic canvas painted with striking visuals, raw emotions, and a decent narrative rooted in brotherhood, smuggling, and the soul of a tribal community. At its core, the film explores two brothers torn between survival and loyalty, set against a backdrop that feels both epic and intimate.

The direction is powerful, with every frame speaking volumes, while the screen presence commands attention especially the transformation of Vijay, who delivers one of his most intense and grounded performances to date. His portrayal seamlessly blends rugged action with quiet vulnerability.

The film's rhythm is intriguing: the first half bursts with high-octane action, keeping you on edge, while the second half dives into emotion, slowing the pace but deepening the story's impact. It's a deliberate choice that allows the audience to breathe, reflect, and connect.

The climax ends on a cliffhanger, teasing a potential sequel. While the narrative does have its moments of drag, KINGDOM stands strong as an one-time watch experience, especially for those who admire layered storytelling and visual grandeur.

If you're a true lover of cinema, give it your time.

Went for Gowtham Tinnanuri, but it is the others who shine! A legendary comeback for Vijay Devarakonda after several disappointments and flops. Anirudh's music has clicked here and worked fantastic throughout the film. Cinematography and stunt choreography was stunning. Unfortunately, the story was plain old and the screenplay was told in a flat narration. I hated the portrayal of the Sri Lankan Tamils as smugglers was condemnable. Overall, a decent-ish cinema experience.

"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.