KINGDOM arrives with sky-high expectations and while it delivers on action and emotion, it leaves the audience with mixed feelings. Starring Vijay Deverakonda in a power-packed role and featuring Daggubati Venkatesh in a surprisingly dark turn as the antagonist, the film explores themes of brotherhood, identity, and transformation.
The story revolves around a young man on a mission to find his lost brother. What begins as an emotional search slowly morphs into a journey through unfamiliar and dangerous territory. As he gets closer to his goal, he stumbles upon a tribal clan and, unexpectedly, rises to a position of power becoming their leader. This surprising twist is the central thread of the narrative, exploring how far love for one’s sibling can go in a world full of betrayal and secrets.
Vijay Deverakonda delivers a solid performance, bringing intensity to every frame. His transformation from a determined seeker to a fierce warrior is convincing, especially during the action sequences. On the other hand, Venkatesh steals the spotlight with his villainy, portraying a layered and menacing character that stays with the viewer long after the credits roll.
One of the major highlights of the film is Anirudh Ravichander’s background score. His music elevates key scenes and adds a pulsating energy to the film’s darker moments. The emotional beats, especially the tension between the brothers, are well-executed and offer genuine depth.
However, the film is not without its flaws. The second half suffers from a noticeably slower narration, and some viewers may feel a lack of depth in the storyline. The absence of memorable songs, which typically enhance emotional engagement in Telugu cinema, is also felt. Moreover, the climax feels abrupt and unfinished clearly setting up for Part 2, but leaving the audience wanting more closure in this installment.
Despite its shortcomings, KINGDOM stands strong due to its performances and emotional core. It’s a film that tries to blend mainstream action with raw emotional storytelling and for the most part, it succeeds.
Final Verdict:
A gripping action drama with solid performances and emotional weight, but a few narrative gaps hold it back from being truly great.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
