Kingdom

Dude, you gotta watch this movie... it's totally worth it! The cinematography is amazing, and the director and DOP killed it. Everyone acted so well, especially the main actors. The visuals in this film were absolutely stunning, making you feel like you were right there. The performances from the cast were top-notch, each actor bringing their A-game to the screen. The dialogue flowed naturally and kept me hooked on every word they said, too. Furthermore, the plot was incredibly well-thought-out, with no loose ends left to tie up. Overall, it was a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.

Storyline pace is good but not very engaging still watchable.

Vijay worked very hard to fit in its character,his work shows his hard work and dedication.

Character building of all characters where good overall. Only some characters are poorly presented.

Only Anirudh's BGM can't do Magic, you have to work hard to fit in it.

• No Song that's the Good Part.

Story is good but I as an audience have watched many movies like this one, wanted more action, thrill and entertainment.

I was not expecting much from this film.

I will not say any other movie references for this film ya somewhere you'll feel once But it's okay because the movies genres are going through that tunnel of old school stuff with new shoes.

Action scenes were okay okay but Raw.

Storyline is Good but don't see that much effort to make an impact that character really matters, I personally don't felt connected.

Overall a good watch. Good one by Vijay after many years. Wink.

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.

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.

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.