📝 Written by Guruji Sunil Chaudhary, Digital Success Coach & Film Commentator
Introduction: A Kingdom Is Born
After three years of anticipation, scrutiny, and introspection since the lukewarm response to Liger, Vijay Deverakonda’s ‘Kingdom’ has finally hit theatres—and the early storm is undeniable.
From sold-out premieres in the USA to 75-foot cutouts being erected by fans in Hyderabad, the buzz around Kingdom is not just marketing. It’s mania.
But the question every cine-lover, critic, and Deverakonda fan is asking: Is this Vijay’s true redemption? Has Kingdom really delivered on its massive promise?
Let’s dive into an analytical, detailed, and layered exploration of the first reviews, box office predictions, fan sentiments, and critical discourse surrounding Kingdom.
Chapter 1: Context – The Fall Before the Rise
In 2022, Liger was touted as Vijay’s pan-India golden ticket. Instead, it became a meme-factory and a painful memory. The actor, known for his fierce self-belief, went quiet.
Cut to July 2025 – he returns not just with a film but with a philosophy. As Vijay himself wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“Suri is filled with rage. But me — today I am actually calm and content. Because of your love.”
This isn’t just a release. Kingdom is Vijay’s atonement arc, and it’s cinematic poetry in motion.
Chapter 2: First Reactions – Critics, Fans, and Emotions
🔥 Koimoi Prediction:
“Vijay Deverakonda To Register His #1 Opening By Beating Liger’s Dominance After 1,071 Days!”
The projections suggest a massive ₹20+ crore Day 1 India gross with North America premieres already crossing $650K (₹5.4 Cr). Compared to Liger’s ₹15.5 Cr, that’s a definitive spike.
🎥 The Times of India:
“Vijay Deverakonda’s film eyes a big box office opening.”
The TOI live updates have captured the overwhelming advance booking buzz and the cinematic hysteria seen last with Pushpa and RRR.
🧠 India Today:
“Career-best act in an emotional film. Kingdom X review: Vijay delivers.”
A strong statement that positions Vijay as finally evolving from raw energy to controlled, matured performance.
💬 News18:
“Vishnu Manchu says: Watch in theatres. Don’t rely on reviewers.”
A subtle but bold pushback at critical establishments, urging audiences to experience the film directly.
Chapter 3: Public Sentiment – What Fans Are Saying
Let’s decode the voice of the people. On X:
“#Kingdom received blockbuster word of mouth from USA premiers! 💥🔥”
“#KingdomMANAMKODTHUNAM 👑🔥 THE KING IS ON HIS DUTY”
“The film is not just drama or action—it’s EMOTION. It hits hard.”
And perhaps the most telling of all:
“Kingdom finds its rhythm when it matters.” — Mint
This sums up the consensus: Kingdom may start cautiously, but it climaxes like a thunderstorm.
Chapter 4: The Technical Breakdown – Direction, Acting, Music, Writing
🎬 Direction – Gowtam Tinnanuri
Known for Jersey, Gowtam plays to his strength again: emotional grit, human conflict, and quiet rage.
He directs Kingdom not as a commercial potboiler, but as a character epic, where the protagonist is as broken as he is brave.
🎭 Acting – Vijay Deverakonda
If Arjun Reddy was angry and reckless, Kingdom’s Suri is scarred but strategic. His physical transformation, combined with restrained performance, marks Vijay’s most complete role yet.
🎵 Music – Anirudh Ravichander
With tracks like Ragile Ragile, Anirudh balances high-octane soundscapes with emotionally stirring melodies. His score doesn’t complement the film — it elevates it.
As The Hindu quoted:
“This will be a milestone film in our careers.”
✍️ Writing – Gautham Tinnanuri & Team
The film attempts to merge mass appeal with emotional intelligence, but some reviewers argue it falters in the second half.
M9.News summarized it sharply:
“Big scale, thin soul.”
This brings us to the film’s biggest debate.
Chapter 5: The Divided Reviews – Critics vs Masses
✅ What’s Working:
Power-packed visuals
Vijay’s layered acting
Mass dialogues + soul moments
North America response
Family-friendly narrative
❌ What’s Being Critiqued:
‘Absurd’ second-half plot turns
Slight pacing issues
Predictable action tropes
“It finds rhythm, but only in the last 40 minutes.” — The Economic Times
Yet, in an industry where second halves often unravel, Kingdom manages to recover with emotional payoff.
Chapter 6: Box Office Storm – Numbers, Advance Booking, and Beyond
1 Lakh+ advance tickets sold in India
₹6 Cr in pre-release gross (India)
₹5.4 Cr from North America premieres
Biggest-ever opening for Vijay? Likely.
From Mint to Sacnilk to Koimoi, the prediction is unanimous:
“Kingdom will beat Liger Day 1 and maybe even Dear Comrade weekend records.”
Chapter 7: Industry Reactions – The Support Circle
🎬 Ram Charan:
“One of Vijay’s best performances.” (He was the original choice for the film.)
🎤 Sandeep Reddy Vanga:
His subtle endorsement added spice to the build-up.
🎶 Anirudh Ravichander:
“The Kingdom music is personal. Emotional. Timeless.”
🙏 Rashmika Mandanna:
“You are something else ❤️” — A heartfelt shoutout.
This collective cheerleading only amplifies Kingdom’s aura as a moment in Tollywood.
Chapter 8: Cultural and Career Impact – What Kingdom Means for Vijay
Kingdom is not just another release. It is a statement.
A statement that:
Vijay is not limited to “Rowdy” image.
Tollywood can produce emotional mass epics.
Pan-India doesn’t need to mimic Bollywood to succeed.
Vijay’s introspection post-Liger wasn’t in vain.
“It’s the first film where I feel calm before release.” — Vijay
That calm confidence is translating into box office dominance.
Chapter 9: Final Review Summary – Is Kingdom Worth Watching?
| Aspect | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Acting | 🌟🌟🌟🌟½ |
| Direction | 🌟🌟🌟🌟 |
| Story | 🌟🌟🌟 |
| Music | 🌟🌟🌟🌟½ |
| Visuals | 🌟🌟🌟🌟 |
| Mass Appeal | 🌟🌟🌟🌟 |
| Emotional Depth | 🌟🌟🌟🌟 |
| Overall | 🌟🌟🌟🌟 |
🔔 Guruji’s Recommendation: Yes. Watch it in theatres. It’s not just a film—it’s an emotional comeback wrapped in cinematic armour.
Closing Thoughts: The Rise of a King, The Maturity of a Star
Kingdom may not be perfect. But it doesn’t need to be.
What it does is resurrect Vijay Deverakonda with grace and grit.
He’s no longer the rebellious lover or angry fighter. He’s a man who’s fallen, risen, reflected—and now ruled his Kingdom.
And that… is cinema worth celebrating.
🎬 Bonus: How to Watch ‘Kingdom’
In Theatres Near You – Pan India Release in Telugu, Hindi (Saamrajya), Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam.
Check advance bookings on BookMyShow, Paytm, or local listings.
Avoid pirated versions – watch it in the cinematic grandeur it deserves.
