Kingdom

The film Kingdom (2025), directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri and starring Vijay Deverakonda, is a clear example of how Indian commercial cinema—particularly Telugu-language productions—has been striving to reinvent itself within the action and espionage genres. Promoted as the first chapter of a duology, the film aims high, constructing a dense universe shaped by themes of betrayal, redemption, and rebellion, all while maintaining a strong emotional core. Even though its execution wavers between technical strengths and narrative weaknesses, the project reveals ambitions that far exceed those of average genre fare—and that, in itself, generates contradictory reactions, which is often a sign of creative risk.

From the opening moments, Kingdom sets out to tell an epic story. The political backdrop serves as a stage for a spy narrative involving internal betrayals, revolutionary ideals, and morally complex figures navigating a web of national interests. Vijay Deverakonda delivers what is arguably the most mature performance of his career. His character is torn between duty and conscience, and his portrayal is marked by an unexpected restraint, especially in scenes that demand emotional nuance. Rather than resorting to easy outbursts, he opts for a quieter, more controlled intensity. This approach allows his character to emerge not just as an action hero, but as a man in existential crisis—and that is, without a doubt, one of the film’s main achievements.

Still, the film stumbles early on. The first half suffers from slow pacing, overextended scenes, and expositional dialogue that hampers narrative flow. There is a clear effort from both the director and screenwriters to lay a solid foundation for what’s to come, but the time spent doing so feels heavy. The film seems to rely too much on the viewer’s patience, banking on the promise of a future payoff—which, fortunately, arrives. Around the halfway mark, a nearly 45-minute sequence becomes the emotional and technical high point of the film. Here, direction sharpens, editing gains urgency, and Anirudh Ravichander’s score—previously a subtle companion—becomes a dramatic force in its own right. In this moment, Kingdom finally reveals the potential it had been teasing all along.

Visually, the film is impressive. Cinematographers Jomon T. John and Girish Gangadharan craft precise, atmospheric imagery, making smart use of contrasts, shadows, and color palettes that enhance the tension and inner turmoil of the characters. The production design also deserves recognition, shifting effortlessly between political realism and the stylized world of espionage thrillers. The editing, though hesitant at times—particularly in the first act—recovers as the narrative finds its footing. Technically, the film proves not just competent but occasionally daring, especially in its more elaborate action sequences.

Narratively, Kingdom is ambitious but draws heavily from familiar genre elements. The protagonist’s arc of redemption, the mysterious motivations of his adversaries, and the idealistic speeches all echo tropes seen in countless other thrillers. Yet, there’s a sincere effort from the creative team to reframe these conventions within a more contemporary political context, which injects a degree of freshness. The use of espionage as a metaphor for identity crises and internal conflict is a smart move, even if it’s not always fully developed.

By the end, Kingdom leaves a complex impression: it’s not a perfect film, nor a groundbreaking one, but it’s also far from shallow or purely commercial. There’s a clear desire here to deliver something richer, more emotionally layered, more ambitious. When the film missteps, it feels like the result of that same ambition—which makes the flaws easier to forgive. The promise of a sequel already in development offers hope that many of these gaps will be filled and that what now feels hesitant might later transform into something truly remarkable. For those seeking a spy thriller with strong emotional stakes, high production values, and a commanding performance by Vijay Deverakonda, Kingdom is worth the time. Just be prepared: this is a story that requires patience, one that asks viewers to watch closely and believe that in times of betrayal, knowing where to place your trust is everything.

Kingdom (2025 / India)
Direction: Gowtam Tinnanuri
Screenplay: Gowtam Tinnanuri & K. Vasanth Kumar (VKCU)
Cast: Vijay Deverakonda, Satyadev, Bhagyashri Borse
Running Time: 150 min.