'Kingdom' X reviews out: Netizens praise Vijay Deverakonda's performance, pan film's 'absurd' second half

Time of India

31-07-2025

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Behind the Scenes of 'Kingdom'
On July 31, 2025, the Telugu-language spy action film Kingdom, headlined by Vijay Deverakonda, officially hit the big screen. As the film began its theatrical journey, it quickly drew attention from both critics and audiences, thanks in part to a wave of fan screenings and premiere shows. These early viewings were largely attended by devoted followers of Deverakonda and fans of high-stakes thrillers, who wasted no time sharing their thoughts across various online platforms—especially X (formerly known as Twitter), where brief yet animated reactions poured in almost instantly.Social media was abuzz with early praise, mixed feedback, and detailed breakdowns. Initial impressions highlighted the film's compelling start, noting that the opening scenes were both tightly crafted and visually impressive. Many early viewers found the narrative engaging despite minor issues with pacing, appreciating the film's consistent energy and technical strength. Several posts emphasized that the film laid solid groundwork for what promised to be a powerful and impactful second half.Among the most talked-about elements were Vijay Deverakonda's intense screen presence and Anirudh Ravichander's rousing background score. Audiences praised the actor for delivering a performance filled with emotional depth and physical dynamism, calling it one of his most commanding roles to date. Anirudh's music, known for its energetic and immersive quality, elevated the experience further, with many describing the soundtrack as electrifying, though a few felt it didn't quite live up to his previous benchmark in Loki.Fans also acknowledged the film's supporting cast, particularly Satyadev, who added emotional weight to the storyline. Bhagyashri Borse, though present in a limited number of scenes, received positive mentions for her on-screen presence. Several users expressed disappointment, however, that the much-anticipated 'Hridayam' track, which had gained popularity during promotional runs, didn't feature prominently in the final cut.Viewer opinions on the film's second half were divided. While some lauded the intense boat sequence and felt the second half delivered high-octane moments and emotional payoffs, others criticized it for relying too heavily on dramatic high points without sufficient narrative logic. A few fans advised against drawing comparisons between Kingdom and larger-than-life action films like KGF, stating that Kingdom had its own tonal and storytelling identity.One viewer remarked that while the first half was decently paced and managed to hold interest, the second portion became increasingly implausible and stretched, particularly as the film approached its climax. Others found the film enjoyable as a complete package but were vocal about certain overused tropes and elevated heroism that seemed excessive.Despite the varied feedback, the general sentiment leaned positive, especially among fans of Deverakonda, who celebrated his performance as a return to form. The film's technical finesse—led by cinematographer Girish Gangadharan in collaboration with Jomon T. John and editor Naveen Nooli—also received favorable nods, contributing to the film's polished, cinematic aesthetic.Directed and written by Gowtam Tinnanuri, Kingdom marks a new chapter in Telugu action cinema and is envisioned as the opening installment of a two-part saga. The project was officially revealed in January 2023 with the tentative title VD12. The final title, Kingdom, was confirmed in February 2025.Production commenced in June 2023 and included shooting schedules across various Indian locations such as Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, and Kerala, along with international segments in Sri Lanka. Backed by producers Naga Vamsi and Sai Soujanya under Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas, the film blends espionage, patriotism, and action into a high-stakes cinematic narrative.Anirudh Ravichander, reuniting with Tinnanuri after their successful collaboration on Jersey, composed the music. The film's musical promotions kicked off with a teaser track in March 2025, followed by singles 'Hridayam Lopala' in May and 'Anna Antene' in July. While these songs fueled excitement pre-release, reactions to their use in the actual film have been mixed.In essence, Kingdom debuted to enthusiastic and vocal audiences, sparking lively conversation around its performances, music, visuals, and plot. Whether unanimously celebrated or constructively critiqued, one thing is certain—Vijay Deverakonda's latest outing has everyone talking.