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.

Kingdom blends myth and legend, refugee drama, stylized action along with good visuals and standout BGM by Anirudh. It's the bgm, and screen presence of VD and Satyadev that carries the film more than the narration. The story is reminiscent of recent films like Retro and that's why it feels familiar. The first 15 minutes or so upto the title card is probably the best scene in the first half, or even in the entire movie. But the second half seems to falter a bit with more drama, and some predictable plot twists. The pre climax and climax scenes were well shot. In short, they've tried to make something memorable, but since it heavily borrowed from recent films, it's predictable, and yet partially satisfying for a one time watch. It's one more popcorn movie, don't expect something extraordinary from Kingdom, and it won't disappoint.

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 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.