The Telugu movie Kingdom opens with Soori (played by Vijay Deverakonda) slapping a policeman. The cause and astute logic behind his rage are revealed in what follows. The protagonist is not simply portrayed by writer-director Gowtam Tinnanuri as a haughty or conceited man. Although Vijay’s rebellious side is first highlighted in this scene, the screenplay progressively reveals the layers, giving Soori’s rage emotional weight and narrative significance.
Gowtam’s directing is known for its emotional storytelling, as was seen in his previous films Jersey and Malli Raava. What keeps Kingdom from becoming just another gaudy action fantasy made for big office success is its depth.
Comparing Kingdom to films like KGF, Devara, or others that deal with gold smuggling, a forgotten island, and downtrodden people in need of a saviour may seem reasonable at first glance. Beneath the dust and gunpowder, however, is a tale that is more morally reflective and emotionally charged.
With assurance in both tone and narrative, Kingdom gets off to a great start. The film begins with eerie, sepia-toned images that introduce us to a masked tribal warrior and his people’s struggle for survival. It is set in the 1920s on the Srikakulam coast. In addition to writer-director Gowtam hinting at the film’s larger plot—that a new heir to the throne will arise decades later—cinematographers Girish Gangadharan and Jomon T. John produce remarkably melancholic frames. The audience remains engaged when they know who, how, and—above all—why.
A lot is shown in the first half. After spending some time in jail in Jaffna and being sent on a covert mission to Sri Lanka, Soori meets up with his long-lost brother, Shiva (Satyadev). Everything moves quickly yet elegantly, as if the movie is eager to get to its primary plot, which is a massive conflict that weaves together criminal underworlds, tribal history, and familial bonds.
By including viewpoints from groups other than the main protagonists, such as Soori’s family, the residents of Divi Island, and those torn between smugglers and the law, Gowtam further enhances the story. The brothers’ moral complexity emerges gradually; neither is wholly heroic nor wholly corrupted. Rather, the harsh systems they traverse mould both of them.
The film’s visuals, which are bathed in sunlight yet never garish, are luscious and mesmerising. With its burnt reds, browns, and blacks, Neeraja Kona’s costume design captures the earthy gravity of the movie. When necessary, Anirudh Ravichander’s music steps up to support the story, yet he sometimes carefully backs off to allow stillness to speak for itself.
In one of Vijay Deverakonda’s most captivating performances, he keeps up a brooding intensity throughout the movie. His composed manner gives the action scenes more impact, particularly during a masterfully staged jungle pursuit. He is closely matched by Satyadev, who plays a character with his own beliefs and internal struggles. Shiva’s storyline is equally interesting and significant, which is refreshing because it isn’t crafted merely to make the hero appear good.
During the second half, Kingdom falters a little. Some of the subtlety that was so meticulously constructed earlier is lost when the action becomes more bloody and predictable. The quiet intensity of early moments is far more powerful than the climax, which feels hurried and unduly reliant on voiceovers. Though they could have been meaningful, lines like “There’s something in this land that turns men into monsters” come out as shallow.
There are a number of noteworthy performances from the supporting cast. Speaking a combination of Telugu and Sri Lankan Tamil, Venkatesh portrays a merciless, icy, and haughty villain in his Telugu debut. Both the actress portraying Shiva’s wife and Bhagyashree Borse have brief but significant roles. The inclusion of kid actress Ronit Kamra in a significant part would thrill Jersey fans.
In contrast to many action dramas with unfinished franchise setups, Kingdom provides a complete story while simultaneously setting the stage for a follow-up. The film makes a powerful impression with its emotional ambition, flawless production, and Vijay Deverakonda’s exceptional performance—reminding viewers why he matters—despite a rather erratic and unrealistic second half. Kingdom might have been explosive if it had held on until the very end.
Kingdom in Telugu Gowtam Tinnanuri is the director.
Cast: Venkatesh, Satyadev, Bhagyashree Borse, and Vijay Deverakonda
Duration: 160 minutes Plot: A constable embarks on a clandestine search for his long-lost brother, encountering formidable obstacles that entwine a criminal enterprise, tribal heritage, and family.