Gowtam Tinnanuri’s highly anticipated Telugu spy action thriller Kingdom, starring Vijay Deverakonda, hit theatres today and has triggered a flurry of reactions online. While fans are applauding Deverakonda’s performance—many calling it his “career-best”—the film overall has received mixed reviews, especially on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Produced by Nag Vamsi and Sai Soujanya under Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas, the film is said to be the first installment of a duology. The soundtrack, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, has received appreciation, but the film’s writing and emotional depth have drawn criticism.
What Worked:
Several users praised the film’s first half for being gripping and fast-paced, and lauded high production values, intense action sequences, and Anirudh’s impactful BGM. One user wrote,
“#KingdomReview: Blockbuster! Career-best scenes for #VijayDeverakonda. Second half drama and boat sequence are 🔥.”
Another tweet highlighted the solid execution:
“No story deviation, filled with high moments. Satya was great too. Ends with a good cliffhanger.”
What Didn’t:
Not all reactions were glowing. Several users called the movie a “decent one-time watch”, citing routine storytelling and a lack of emotional connect. One viewer said,
“Technical aspects worked better than the writing. 2/5 stars.”
Another wrote:
“#Kingdom is a soulless action drama with zero emotional depth. VD and Satyadev shine, but that’s about it. The climax is routine.”
Cast and Crew:
Apart from Deverakonda, the film features Satyadev, Bhagyashri Borse, Goparaju Ramana, Manish Chaudhari, and Baburaj in prominent roles. The movie ends with a cliffhanger, suggesting a sequel is in the pipeline.
Verdict:
While Kingdom has impressed fans with Vijay Deverakonda’s powerful performance and slick production, the film’s predictable plot and lack of novelty have left many underwhelmed. For now, it appears to be a one-time watch for most audiences—with hopes pinned on a stronger second part.