Director Gowtam Tinnanuri, known for his emotionally driven storytelling in Jersey, ventures into the spy thriller genre with Kingdom, starring Vijay Deverakonda in one of his most composed and impactful performances. This Telugu political action drama, intended as the first of a two-part saga, makes a technically solid and performance-rich entry, even though it doesn’t fully deliver on its emotional promise.
A story of rebellion rooted in strategy
Kingdom narrates the journey of a morally upright young man, played by Deverakonda, who takes a stand against a corrupt and imbalanced political system. He’s not the archetypal action hero fuelled by rage; instead, his fight is rooted in resilience, logic, and well-placed emotion. Bhagyashri Borse plays a supporting role that adds emotional weight, even if their relationship lacks narrative depth.
Direction and narrative depth
Gowtam Tinnanuri sticks to his trademark grounded storytelling in the first half, which is slow-burning yet engaging, filled with political undertones and well-crafted intrigue. However, the film falters slightly in the second half. While the climax has moments of power, the emotional intensity dips, affecting the overall impact.
Despite this, Tinnanuri deserves credit for not over-dramatizing the genre. His restrained and realistic treatment of the storyline, especially in a space often dominated by high-octane theatrics, makes Kingdom a refreshing watch.
Performances: Vijay’s transformation commands attention
Vijay Deverakonda delivers one of his most nuanced performances to date. Ditching his flamboyant image, he embodies a character that’s strategic, emotionally complex, and grounded. His controlled screen presence, especially in emotionally charged scenes, elevates the film. Satyadev and Manish Chaudhari support effectively, with Goparaju Ramana adding further credibility. Bhagyashri Borse, though underutilized, makes a meaningful impression.
Visual brilliance and sound that elevates
On the technical front, Kingdom scores high. Girish Gangadharan’s cinematography blends urban decay with shadowy espionage aesthetics. The muted tones reflect the film’s somber narrative, while Anirudh Ravichander’s background score adds heft, especially during key transitions and the climax.
Naveen Nooli’s editing remains sharp, although a few scenes in the middle could’ve benefited from tighter pacing.
Verdict: a stylish setup for what’s next
Kingdom might not reach the emotional highs it aims for, but it lays a strong cinematic foundation. With Vijay Deverakonda’s compelling performance, grounded direction, and impressive production values, the film holds promise—especially with Part 2 on the horizon.
While the film received mixed reactions on social media—with many lauding Vijay’s makeover and emotional depth, and others pointing out a lack of high-impact sequences—the consensus praises its storytelling, cinematography, and Anirudh’s gripping score.