Vijay Devarakonda's latest Telugu movie, "Kingdom," released on July 31, 2025, has garnered mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. The spy action thriller, directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, sees Devarakonda taking on the role of Suri, a police constable on a mission.
Plot and Direction:
The film's story, set in 1991, follows Suri (Vijay Devarakonda) who goes undercover to Sri Lanka to find his estranged brother, Siva (Satyadev), a key figure in a smuggling ring. The narrative delves into themes of betrayal, moral dilemmas, and survival as Suri navigates a complex and dangerous world.
Director Gowtam Tinnanuri, known for his work on "Jersey," brings his signature style to "Kingdom," particularly in the first half with its gripping setup involving smuggling gangs and army conflicts. However, some critics noted that the film's emotional core weakens as the story progresses, and the narrative loses steam after the reunion of the two brothers. The climax, while action-packed, was criticized for a lack of emotional depth. Some reviewers also felt the film was influenced by recent mass-action films, which may have impacted its emotional clarity.
Performances:
Vijay Devarakonda's performance as Suri has been widely praised as one of the strongest in his career. He is said to have delivered a sincere and grounded performance, effectively portraying the character's intensity and emotional turmoil. Satyadev, as the elder brother Siva, also delivers a solid and flawless performance, with the relationship between the two brothers forming the heart of the story.
However, the character of Dr. Madhu, played by Bhagyashri Borse, was reportedly underdeveloped and felt unnecessary to some.
Technical Aspects:
The film has been lauded for its technical prowess. The cinematography by Jomon John and Girish Gangadharan is a major highlight, with rich and polished visuals. Anirudh Ravichander's background score is another significant asset, effectively elevating the film's key moments.[5] The song "Ragile Ragile" in particular was noted for conveying the protagonist's anger and pathos.
Overall Reception:
"Kingdom" has received a mixed response. While some have hailed it as a "blockbuster" and a "good action drama with high production values and acting," others have found it to be "ordinary" and "boring." Many agree that while the film has its moments and strong technical aspects, it doesn't fully satisfy and is best watched with managed expectations. Several reviews suggest that while it may not be a perfect film, it stands out among recent "saviour tales" and offers Vijay Devarakonda a chance to deliver a powerful performance.

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