Kingdom Movie Review: Vijay Shines in Action Drama
Kingdom is one of the most talked‑about Telugu films of 2025. Starring Vijay Deverakonda, the film has been marketed as a large‑scale action drama and the first part of a two‑film series. It generated huge buzz before release because of its stylish trailer, Anirudh Ravichander’s powerful music, and the promise of an emotional story about two brothers.
The film was originally expected earlier in the year but faced multiple delays. Finally, it hit theaters on July 31, 2025, with massive expectations from fans and trade circles.
2. Storyline
The film revolves around Suri (played by Vijay Deverakonda), a young and determined police constable. He has a complicated relationship with his older brother Siva (Satyadev), who left home years ago after a traumatic event. Their family bond is strained, and Suri still carries the emotional pain of that separation.
Meanwhile, the country is facing a crisis after the assassination of a former Prime Minister. Suri is unexpectedly drawn into a dangerous undercover operation involving an indigenous tribe and a Sri Lankan weapons cartel. The mission tests his courage, physical strength, and loyalty to his country, while also forcing him to face his personal demons.
The movie mixes family drama, espionage, and action, leading to an emotional journey that sets up the stage for a sequel.
3. Performances
- Vijay Deverakonda as Suri
Vijay carries the film on his shoulders. His performance is intense, confident, and filled with raw emotion. He shines in action scenes and brings a strong screen presence. For fans, this feels like his comeback after a few mixed performances in recent years. - Satyadev as Siva
Satyadev delivers a mature and heartfelt performance. His scenes with Vijay, especially during the reunion moments, are emotional and realistic. He makes the audience feel the pain of separation and brotherhood. - Bhagyashri Borse as Madhu
The female lead is sincere but gets less screen time. Her character mostly supports Suri’s emotional journey but doesn’t have much depth to explore. - Venkatesh VP as Murugan
The main villain brings intensity and menace. His performance helps raise the stakes in the action sequences.
4. Technical Highlights
- Cinematography
The visuals are stunning. The film captures large landscapes, tribal territories, and action sequences beautifully. Every frame looks polished and cinematic. - Music and Background Score
Anirudh Ravichander’s music is one of the strongest pillars of the film. The background score adds tension and energy, while the songs heighten the emotional moments. - Action & Production Design
The action is stylish and well‑choreographed, giving the film a pan‑India appeal. The production quality is top‑notch, with impressive sets and visual effects.
5. Strengths of the Film
- Powerful First Half
The opening hour of the movie is gripping. The emotional setup of the brothers, the stylish action sequences, and the suspense of the mission keep viewers hooked. - Vijay Deverakonda’s Screen Presence
His intense acting and physical transformation stand out. Fans and general audiences have praised his effort and commitment. - Strong Music and Visuals
The combination of Anirudh’s score and the rich cinematography makes the movie feel larger than life. - Mass Appeal
Kingdom has all the ingredients of a commercial entertainer – family drama, action, heroism, and visual spectacle.
6. Weaknesses of the Film
- Weak Second Half
Many viewers felt the second half loses momentum. After a thrilling start, the narrative slows down and becomes predictable. - Emotional Disconnect
While the film tries to explore the bond between brothers, it does not always connect deeply with the audience. The drama feels rushed and lacks subtlety. - Familiar Storyline
Critics have called it “old wine in a new bottle” because it reminds them of recent mass action films like KGF, Pushpa, and Salaar. - Sequel Setup
The movie ends with a clear hint for Part 2, but some audience members felt that the story did not offer enough closure and was mainly a setup for the next film.
7. Audience and Critical Response
The response to Kingdom has been mixed to positive:
- Fans loved Vijay Deverakonda’s performance, the first half, and the action scenes. Social media was full of posts calling it a “blockbuster ride”.
- Critics, however, gave it average to slightly above‑average ratings (2.5 to 3 out of 5), pointing out the weak emotional depth and a dragging second half.
- General viewers are divided – some enjoyed the mass appeal, while others were disappointed with the predictable storytelling.
8. Box Office Performance
- On Day 1, the film earned around ₹7 crore net in India, which is a strong opening for Vijay Deverakonda in 2025.
- Collections were highest in Telugu states, with decent numbers from Tamil and Hindi dubbed versions.
- The film’s long‑term success will depend on word of mouth, as mixed reviews may slow down its performance after the first weekend.
9. Social Media Trends
Social media reactions highlight the polarized reception:
- Positive posts focus on Vijay’s powerful comeback, the 45‑minute high‑voltage sequence in the first half, and Anirudh’s music.
- Negative posts criticize the second half as “absurd” and express fatigue about forced sequels, with some fans saying, “Stop making every movie into a two‑part franchise.”
10. Final Verdict
Kingdom (2025) is a stylish action drama that succeeds in creating big-screen excitement but struggles to provide deep emotional satisfaction.
Pros:
- Vijay Deverakonda’s commanding performance
- Stunning visuals and mass action sequences
- Strong background score by Anirudh
Cons:
- Predictable second half
- Weak emotional connect
- Heavy dependence on Part 2 for a complete story
Verdict:
- Watch it for Vijay Deverakonda and the cinematic action experience.
- Skip it if you are looking for a tight, emotional story.
If the sequel delivers a stronger narrative and better emotional depth, Kingdom could become a memorable franchise. For now, it is a visual treat with mixed storytelling.
