Entertainment

Kingdom review: Vijay Deverakonda shines in a restrained spy thriller with cinematic flair

In Kingdom, Vijay Deverakonda steps into the role of a resilient spy taking on a corrupt system. Read how the film fares as a political thriller with restrained storytelling.

Published

1 year ago

July 31, 2025

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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.

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Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, known for Welcome and Hera Pheri, dies at 56

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, known for his memorable supporting role in Welcome, has died at 56.

Published

3 weeks ago

September 24, 2026

APNLive Desk

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, who appeared in several Hindi films and was particularly remembered for his role in the 2007 comedy Welcome, has died at the age of 56.

Khan was known for playing supporting characters across Hindi cinema and had worked in films spanning several decades. His role as Balu in Welcome remains among his best-known performances.

Mushtaq Khan’s film career

Mushtaq Khan appeared in a wide range of films during his career. His filmography included Aashiqui, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Gopi Kishan, Krantiveer, Raja, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Jodi No. 1 and Hera Pheri.

He also featured in more recent films including Stree 2, Gadar 2, Baby John, Dhoom Dhaam and Jaat. His filmography lists acting work continuing into 2026.

In Welcome, Khan played Balu, a supporting character in the comedy starring Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor and other prominent actors.

Khan’s career also included television work, with his credits spanning a wide range of acting roles over the years.

Mushtaq Khan dies at 56

The actor’s death was reported on September 24, 2026. Reports said Khan had been undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with liver cancer and had been hospitalised for around 15 days. Further details surrounding his death were awaited in the initial reports.

Mushtaq Khan was 56. IMDb lists his date of birth as December 31, 1969.

Entertainment

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh welcome baby girl, their second child

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the birth on Instagram.

Published

4 weeks ago

September 20, 2026

APNLive Desk

Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the arrival of their daughter on Instagram on Saturday through a post featuring a baby’s footprint.

The newborn is the couple’s second daughter. Deepika and Ranveer became parents for the first time in September 2024, when they welcomed their daughter Dua.

The couple has not announced the name of their newborn daughter in the post.

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s last spotting

Just a day before the announcement, Deepika Padukone visited Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple with Ranveer Singh and his parents.

Deepika was seen wearing an orange and purple kurta set, while Ranveer wore a purple kurta with white trousers. The visit came as the couple awaited the arrival of their second child.

Interestingly, the couple had also visited Siddhivinayak Temple in September 2024, shortly before the birth of their first daughter Dua.

Deepika and Ranveer’s family

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh married on November 14, 2018, in Lake Como, Italy. Their wedding featured ceremonies reflecting their Konkani and Sindhi backgrounds.

The couple’s relationship began while working together on Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela in 2013. They later got engaged in 2015 and welcomed their first child, Dua, on September 8, 2024.

Entertainment

Drishyam 3 trailer: Ajay Devgn faces triple threat from Tabu, Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj

Drishyam: The Conclusion trailer brings back Ajay Devgn and Tabu, while Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj join the franchise in new roles.

Published

1 month ago

September 9, 2026

APNLive Desk

The trailer of Drishyam: The Conclusion, the third instalment of the Ajay Devgn-led franchise, has been released, bringing Vijay Salgaonkar back for what is billed as the final chapter of the story.

Ajay Devgn returns as Vijay, while Tabu reprises her role as Meera Deshmukh. The latest chapter also introduces Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj in new roles, creating fresh challenges for Vijay and his carefully planned attempts to protect his family.

Ajay Devgn faces new challenges

The trailer continues the story of Vijay Salgaonkar, a family man who has repeatedly relied on his intelligence to protect his family from the law.

This time, Vijay faces Tabu’s Meera Deshmukh along with two new adversaries. Jaideep Ahlawat plays an SP from the Crime Branch, while Prakash Raj appears as a lawyer. The two characters add another layer to the investigation surrounding Vijay and the events of the previous films.

The trailer suggests that Vijay’s earlier strategy may face its toughest test yet as the investigation moves forward and pressure mounts on his family.

Tabu returns as Meera Deshmukh

Tabu is back as Meera Deshmukh, continuing a character that has remained closely connected to Vijay’s story since the earlier films.

Shriya Saran also returns to the franchise, reprising her role from the previous instalments.

Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj join the cast

Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj are among the key additions to the cast of the third film.

Ahlawat plays an SP in the Crime Branch, bringing a new investigating officer into Vijay’s path. Prakash Raj plays a lawyer, adding another significant character to the conflict surrounding the case.

Drishyam The Conclusion release date

Drishyam: The Conclusion is directed by Abhishek Pathak and is backed by Star Studio18 and Panorama Studios.

The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on October 2, 2026.

The trailer sets up another battle of wits for Vijay Salgaonkar, with the final outcome of his long-running struggle with the law expected to form the central conflict of the concluding chapter.