Vijay Deverakonda Steals the Show in ‘Kingdom’ Amid Mixed Reactions

Mixed Reviews: Vijay Deverakonda Roars Back with Kingdom, But is the Second Half Worth Watching?

Vijay Deverakonda’s much-anticipated Telugu spy thriller Kingdom finally landed in theatres on July 31. Directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, the film stirred buzz long before its release and now finds itself under the spotlight as mixed reviews flood social media and critics’ columns.

While Kingdom may not be flawless, Deverakonda’s gripping performance, which many see as a vital turning point in his career, is its saving grace.

A Strong Start Backed by Stellar Performances and Visuals

Behind some covert operations and some international strife, the movie offers a cinematic mix of high production values and dramatic action. One thing everyone, from the critics to the fans, can agree upon is that Vijay stole the show. 

Vijay Deverakonda starred as Suri, the spy on an emotionally charged and politically tense mission in Sri Lanka. His energy, range, and rare emotional pull brought out memories of his earlier, equally outstanding roles.

The film opens with a powerful scene that sets and maintains the momentum for the first half. Some parts are even praised for excellent pace and emotional engagement. Girish Gangadharan's cinematography and Naveen Nooli's editing provide a certain polish, while the background score of Anirudh Ravichander heightens the entire intensity, especially during crucial moments.

Anirudh's soundtrack has almost always been a highlight in his past collaborations, thereby giving Kingdom its heartbeat. However, the same cannot be said for all, as they feel that his music does not perfectly complement the buildup created during pre-release promotions.

Second-Half Flaws Hold Back the Thrill

Supporting actors, including Satyadev, brought sincerity to the script. Bhagyashri Borse, though limited in screen time, added charm and on-screen chemistry. However, the film's second half has become a talking point for all the right reasons. 

Many critics called it confusing, rushed, and even absurd in parts. Several social media posts pointed to a clear shift in tone and logic post-interval. While the action remained visually impressive, the screenplay began to feel stretched and emotionally disconnected.

Even though the story falters a bit toward the end, it sure has been pulling crowds, mostly Vijay’s fan base. After a string of underwhelming films, this release brings a breath of fresh air into his career. For someone expecting a tight spy thriller, narrative slip-ups could be off-putting. Yet given its breadth, the technical polish, and Deverakonda's commanding screen presence, these elements are enough to keep one entertained.

Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas are the presenters of Kingdom. While the movie is set to have a second part, some viewers allege that the story should have ended in one, doubting whether this two-parter concept might work. Kingdom, as it stands, is a film that tries to combine mass appeal with an emotional arc, and almost succeeds.