Kingdom: A make or break film for Vijay Deverakonda

India Today

21 hours ago

It's not often that a film carries the weight of a comeback, a course correction, and a career reinvention - all at once. But for Vijay Deverakonda, 'Kingdom' is exactly that.After the high-profile failure of 'Liger' - a film intended to establish him as a pan-India star - Deverakonda seems to have stepped back, taken stock, and opted for silence over spectacle. Now, he's quietly preparing for what many in the Telugu film industry are calling his 'most important film in his career since 'Arjun Reddy'.'advertisement'Kingdom', directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, is not just another release on the calendar. It's a carefully selected script, greenlit after months of introspection. Unlike some of his recent films that leaned heavily on scale and star power, 'Kingdom' appears to be a marked departure. The narrative is said to be steeped in political drama, with a layered character at its core - one that allows Vijay to flex his acting muscle rather than just his screen presence.LEARNING FROM 'LIGER'
It's no secret that 'Liger' was a colossal misfire. Marketed as a pan-India spectacle, the film arrived with sky-high expectations but struggled both critically and commercially. More than the film's failure, it was the hype and the content that struck a nerve. Adding to that, the aggressive marketing and promotion only amplified audience disappointment. It was a wake-up call, one that seems to have prompted the actor to take a step back and reassess the kind of stories he wants to be part of. But, after 'Liger', his films, be it 'Kushi' or 'The Family Star', failed to do the numbers or impress fans with their content. With consecutive failures, he has taken time to recalibrate - and insiders say that recalibration is already visible in the way 'Kingdom' is being approached.'He's become far more careful with what he picks. The energy around him is quieter, more focused. He's no longer chasing stardom. He's rebuilding it,' says a senior industry insider.WHAT IS 'KINGDOM' ALL ABOUT?Set against the backdrop of rural political unrest, 'Kingdom' is a spy action thriller. Interestingly, the film will see Vijay Deverakonda take on a character with multiple shades. The actor is set to sport three distinct looks in the film, reflecting different phases of his journey. He plays a police constable who finds himself in Sri Lanka on a covert mission, only to discover that the crime syndicate he's been sent to infiltrate is led by none other than his estranged brother, played by Satya. With such layered storytelling and emotional stakes at play, all eyes are now on director Gautam Tinnanuri to see how he weaves this complex narrative together. 'He (Vijay) was looking for a role that wasn't designed around his stardom, but one that would challenge him as an actor. 'Kingdom' gave him that,' says a member of the creative team.advertisementThe film also stars Satyadev and Bhagyashri Borse, with a strong ensemble cast and a story that leans more towards drama than spectacle. 'It's the kind of film where the writing leads the star, not the other way around,' adds the source.'KINGDOM' - A DO OR DIE FILMThe pressure on 'Kingdom' isn't just artistic - it's commercial too. The actor's box office performance post-'Geetha Govindam' has been inconsistent. Even his last two films - 'Kushi' and 'The Family Star' - were box-office duds. A hit here would not just redeem his brand, but reposition him as a bankable name in the Telugu belt - and perhaps nationally again.'Vijay is still a star with high recall value. He has a loyal fan base and strong connect with youth,' says trade analyst Ramesh Bala, adding, 'But audiences today are quick to move on. 'Kingdom' has to deliver. Not just critically, but also financially.'A SECOND ACT IN THE MAKING?There's something to be said about actors who rise after a fall. It often makes for a more compelling story than the first success. And Deverakonda, whose career has always veered off the conventional path, seems to understand that better than most.advertisementHe's not trying to return as the same star who gave 'Arjun Reddy' or 'Dear Comrade'. 'Kingdom' is a sign of that evolution - a chance to be taken seriously not just as a performer, but as someone who can anchor meaningful, story-driven cinema.For now, the industry waits. The fans wait.- EndsTune InMust Watch