Kingdom Movie Review: Action and Ambition
Kingdom Movie Review: Ambition, Action, and the Return of Vijay Deverakonda
Kingdom arrives as a sprawling Telugu-language spy action drama helmed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, with Vijay Deverakonda stepping out of his romantic hero shadow for a much grittier, adrenaline-charged role. The film—intended as the first installment of a duology—takes ambitious swings with spectacular visuals and high-octane storytelling, but occasionally loses its grip on emotional resonance and narrative clarity.
Plot Snapshot
“Kingdom” plunges us into the life of Suri (Vijay Deverakonda), a hot-headed police constable in 1990s Hyderabad, haunted by the disappearance of his elder brother, Siva (Satyadev). When given a covert mission to infiltrate a remote island near Sri Lanka, Suri must dismantle a ruthless drug syndicate—only to discover its mastermind is none other than his estranged brother. The narrative explores themes of family loyalty, duty, and redemption against a backdrop of tribal displacement and cross-border intrigue.
What Works
- Vijay Deverakonda’s Transformation: Deverakonda’s auteur-like portrayal brings layered vulnerability and ferocity to Suri, marking a significant, successful break from his romantic hero image. His complex relationship with Satyadev, who portrays his conflicted brother, is the film’s emotional anchor.
- Cinematic World-Building: Cinematographers Girish Gangadharan and Jomon T. John deliver outstanding visuals, bathing the island’s turmoil in both mystical and realistic hues.
- Action Sequences: The film dazzles with well-choreographed set pieces and chase scenes on land and water, keeping adrenaline levels high.
- Music & Atmosphere: Anirudh Ravichander’s rousing background score (especially the track “Ragile Ragile”) deepens the emotional texture, complementing the film’s kinetic energy.
- Supporting Roles: Venkitesh, as the chilling syndicate leader Murugan, and Satyadev as Siva, both add nuance and menace, while Manish Chaudhari is memorable as Suri’s handler.
The Flaws
- Pacing & Narrative Clarity: The nearly three-hour runtime struggles under the weight of competing subplots. A strong, slow-burn first half is undermined by a second half that forgoes emotional payoffs in favor of setting up a franchise, leaving some threads hanging.
- Underdeveloped Relationships: Bhagyashri Borse, as Suri’s love interest, is unfortunately sidelined, with her character feeling more like a narrative device than a nuanced presence.
- Logical Leaps: Some plot elements—such as fishermen-turned-rebels going up against military powers—stretch credibility and weaken the dramatic tension.
- Lack of Emotional Core: Despite the substantial suffering and drama, the film rarely gives the audience time to connect deeply with the characters, diluting its emotional punch.
The Verdict
“Kingdom” is a visual spectacle with its heart in the right place: an action-packed narrative about lost siblings, heroism, and the struggle for justice. While it’s not flawless—suffering from pacing issues, some logical inconsistencies, and missed opportunities for emotional depth—the film stands out for Vijay Deverakonda’s redemption arc and its immersive action design. For those seeking a high-stakes, big-screen experience, Kingdom packs enough spectacle to warrant a watch. Just don’t expect every emotional beat to land.
Kingdom movie review: If you’re a fan of action-driven family dramas with ambitious world-building and strong lead performances, “Kingdom” delivers, though it occasionally falters under its own grand vision.