Mixed Reactions to Vijay Deverakonda’s Kingdom: A Career-Best Performance, but Lacks Novelty, Say Viewers
Vijay Deverakonda shines in Kingdom, but mixed reviews highlight a predictable story. A solid performance with high production values but a one-time watch for some.
Dinesh Akula | Published On: Jul, 31, 2025 | 01:19 PM
Vijay Deverakonda’s Kingdom: The much-awaited Telugu spy action thriller Kingdom, directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri and starring Vijay Deverakonda, finally hit cinemas on July 31, 2025. Following its release, the film has sparked a wave of reactions across social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), with audiences offering mixed reviews. Kingdom has garnered praise for Vijay Deverakonda’s performance, with many calling it his career best. Viewers have praised his portrayal of the lead character, with some even describing it as a standout in his filmography. One Twitter user hailed the movie as a “blockbuster,” writing, “#KingdomReview: A massive hit, career-best performance by #VijayDeverakonda. The film’s gripping first half, intense second half, and the boat sequence are highlights. Action, music, and drama hit the right notes.” Another tweet shared similar sentiments, praising the film’s high production values and Deverakonda’s performance: “Kingdom delivers as a solid action drama. Gautham Tinnanuri nails it again with a great screenplay. VD’s performance is lit, and Anirudh’s BGM takes it to the next level. First half is excellent, and the second half doesn’t disappoint either.” However, not all reactions have been favourable. A segment of viewers have expressed disappointment, describing the film as a “one-time watch” with little to offer in terms of originality. One review read, “#Kingdom is a decent one-time watch. Expectations should be kept low as the film’s technical aspects shine more than the storyline. Rating: 2/5 stars.” Others echoed similar sentiments, with one moviegoer stating, “I was excited after hearing about Gowtam Tinnanuri’s direction, but Kingdom didn’t live up to the hype. While Vijay Deverakonda was good, the story felt predictable and didn’t offer anything fresh. Satya Dev was sufficient in his role, but it’s ultimately a mixed bag.” Some viewers were even more critical, calling the film “soulless” and lacking an emotional connection. A tweet stated, “#Kingdom – BOREDOM. A dull action drama with zero emotional depth. Only VD and Satyadev shine. The pre-climax and villain reveal were promising, but everything fell flat in the end. BGM by Anirudh was a saving grace, but overall, it’s a below-average watch.” Despite the polarised opinions, many critics agreed that Kingdom has some redeeming qualities. A user tweeted, “Kingdom is an ordinary and routine action drama. It’s not a must-watch, but worth a one-time experience for the performances, especially from VD and Anirudh’s music. The climax is routine, leaving the door open for a potential sequel.” In addition to Vijay Deverakonda, Kingdom features a strong supporting cast, including Satyadev, Bhagyashri Borse, Goparaju Ramana, Manish Chaudhari, and Baburaj in key roles. Produced by Naga Vamsi and Sai Soujanya under Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas, the film is being hailed as the first installment of a planned duology. The soundtrack, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, has already garnered attention for its mass appeal, particularly the background score. As the film continues to draw crowds to cinemas, it’s clear that Kingdom is a film that will be debated for weeks to come, with its solid performances and high production values weighed against its somewhat formulaic narrative.A Career-Best Performance
The Critics Speak: A One-Time Watch
An Ordinary Yet Decent Watch
About Kingdom
