Kingdom is a 2025 Telugu-language spy action thriller directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri. The film, co-produced by Naga Vamsi and Sai Soujanya under Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas, brings together an ambitious mix of history, action, and family drama. Starring Vijay Deverakonda in the lead role, alongside Satyadev and Bhagyashri Borse, the film aims to combine emotional storytelling with the thrills of an undercover spy mission. With music by Anirudh Ravichander, cinematography by Girish Gangadharan and Jomon T. John, and editing by Naveen Nooli, Kingdom is crafted as the first part of a duology. Released worldwide on July 31, 2025, it received mixed reviews and, despite its scale, underperformed at the box office, earning around 82 crore globally.
The film weaves together two timelines, beginning with a tragic massacre in 1920 Srikakulam, where tribals and their king resist British forces who seek gold from their land. The king’s death leaves behind an unfulfilled prophecy of a savior. Decades later, in 1990, Constable Byreddy Surya, known as Suri (Vijay Deverakonda), is recruited by RAW officer Jayaprakash to infiltrate “Divi,” an island near Sri Lanka ruled by a cartel. His mission is to track arms and gold shipments linked to the post–Rajiv Gandhi assassination era.
In a twist of fate, Suri discovers that his estranged brother, Siva (Satyadev), is now a leader of descendants from the same 1920 tribe, living on Divi. The brothers reunite under tense circumstances, torn between loyalty to their people and national duty.
Suri goes undercover, gaining the trust of Siva and the cartel, only to face suspicion from Murugan, the ruthless son of Odiyappan, who rules Divi with an iron hand.
As the story unfolds, betrayal strikes. Murugan murders his own father and orchestrates massacres to root out spies, during which Siva sacrifices himself to protect Suri. Broken and enraged, Suri takes on his brother’s mantle, embracing the prophecy of the long-lost king. The climax sees him avenge Siva by killing Murugan and liberating Divi, though the arrival of Odiyappan’s elder son Sethu and lingering suspicions about Suri set the stage for a sequel.
Vijay Deverakonda takes center stage as Suri, a role that demands both physical prowess and emotional intensity. Satyadev plays Siva with equal weight, portraying a brother torn between kinship and survival. Bhagyashri Borse provides a grounded performance in her supporting role, while Venkitesh VP stands out as the menacing Murugan. The ensemble cast, including those portraying spies, cartel members, and tribals, adds depth to the layered narrative.
Kingdom is ambitious in scale and rich in emotion. Vijay Deverakonda’s performance is easily the film’s backbone. He balances raw action with vulnerability, making Suri a layered character who feels both heroic and human. His transformation throughout the film, from duty-driven constable to avenging leader, is handled with intensity and precision.
The supporting cast also contributes strongly. Satyadev’s portrayal of Siva adds emotional depth and complexity to the brotherhood theme, making the bond between the siblings feel authentic and tragic.
Venkitesh VP makes Murugan a chilling and unpredictable antagonist, keeping audiences on edge. Technically, Kingdom shines. The cinematography captures everything from coastal landscapes of Sri Lanka to gritty prison environments, immersing viewers in the world of Divi. The action sequences are choreographed with flair, blending intensity and style. Anirudh Ravichander’s score amplifies both the emotional and adrenaline-filled moments, ensuring the audience remains hooked.
The film’s biggest strength is its blend of action and emotion. It never limits itself to being just a spy thriller; it explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the heavy price of duty. The storytelling, though grand, always circles back to the heart of the narrative, two brothers standing on opposite sides of destiny. While Kingdom has many strengths, it is not without flaws. The pacing feels uneven, particularly in the second half where the film slows down to dwell on emotional beats. While this adds depth, it also risks losing momentum for viewers expecting a consistently fast-paced thriller.
Some portions of the screenplay feel stretched, especially during the smuggling sequences and cartel confrontations. The narrative, though layered, sometimes gets weighed down by too many subplots, making it slightly confusing in parts. Another criticism is the film’s underwhelming commercial performance. Despite its scale, Kingdom did not resonate as strongly with general audiences, possibly due to its heavy themes and slower narrative approach compared to mainstream Telugu blockbusters.
Kingdom is a bold attempt to merge history, espionage, and emotional drama into one cinematic package. With Vijay Deverakonda delivering one of his strongest performances, supported by powerful visuals and a stirring score, the film succeeds in leaving a lasting impact despite its flaws. While its pacing issues and box office underperformance cannot be ignored, Kingdom remains a compelling one-time watch, especially for fans of layered storytelling and emotionally charged action dramas. With its mix of grandeur and intimacy, Kingdom sets the stage for an exciting sequel, and though not perfect, it reaffirms Gowtam Tinnanuri’s ability to blend spectacle with substance. For those who appreciate Telugu cinema that dares to push boundaries, Kingdom is worth the experience.
