Vijay Deverakonda's 'Kingdom' Review: Strong Performance Amid Narrative Shortcomings Sparks Mixed Reactions

Vijay Deverakonda’s latest film Kingdom, released on July 31, 2025, has elicited mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. While the actor’s powerful and intense performance is widely praised, the film's narrative and screenplay have been criticized for lacking cohesion and emotional depth.

Directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, Kingdom is a spy action drama that explores themes of brotherhood and life’s greater purpose. The plot unfolds across two timelines: the 1920s, involving a tribal struggle against British colonial forces, and the present-day story of Suri (Vijay Deverakonda), a constable on a covert mission to find his estranged brother Siva (Satyadev) in Sri Lanka.

Critics acknowledge the film’s visual appeal, with cinematography by Girish Gangadharan and Jomon T John beautifully capturing the locales, and Anirudh Ravichander’s background score enhancing the mood. However, the screenplay’s failure to sustain emotional engagement has been a significant setback. Reviewers note that while the film aims high in concept and scale, it settles for mediocrity in execution, especially in its storytelling and screenplay, leading to an uneven pace and lack of momentum.

According to reviews, Vijay Deverakonda’s portrayal is the film’s strongest asset, with his screen presence and dedication shining through despite the film’s shortcomings. Yet, the film suffers from underdeveloped narrative arcs and lacks a compelling emotional connection, which is crucial for a story revolving around brotherhood and personal purpose.

The film’s ending also sparked audience fatigue due to a cliffhanger setting up a sequel, which some viewers feel is an imposed commercial strategy rather than an organic storytelling choice. There is a growing call among the audience for Tollywood filmmakers to deliver complete stories in single installments rather than stretching plots into multiple parts unnecessarily.

In summary, Kingdom is considered a watchable action drama that will primarily appeal to fans of Vijay Deverakonda. While it offers moments of visual grandeur and a commendable lead performance, the film's uninspired plot and uneven screenplay stop it from becoming a truly memorable cinematic experience.