Vijay Deverakonda, one of South India's most sought-after stars, returned to the big screen with the much-anticipated spy thriller "Kingdom", released on July 31, 2025, in multiple languages including Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi (under the title Saamraajya). The movie, helmed by Gautham Tinnanuri, has created significant buzz on social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), where users shared their mixed impressions of the action-packed entertainer.

A Strong Start at the Box Office

Despite the mixed reviews pouring in online, Kingdom began its theatrical journey on a powerful note, both in domestic and international markets. Industry insiders estimate a first-day gross between Rs 18 to 20 crore, fueled by advance bookings and premiere shows. This performance places Kingdom among Vijay Deverakonda’s top openers, with many expecting it to even surpass the opening numbers of his 2023 film “Kushi”, which earned Rs 26 crore globally on its first day.

The advance booking trends indicated a strong interest in the film, especially in Telugu-speaking regions, with several theatres running full-house shows during morning and matinee slots.

Kingdom: Story and Performances

In Kingdom, Vijay Deverakonda plays a spy who goes undercover by deliberately getting himself imprisoned. The film attempts to combine gritty espionage with high-octane action and emotional undertones. Alongside him, Bhagyashri Borse plays the female lead, and Satyadev Kancharana delivers a noteworthy supporting performance.

Viewers on X were quick to appreciate Vijay’s physical transformation, screen presence, and intensity, particularly in the first half of the film. One user tweeted, “The film has its flaws, but man, Vijay is on another level. Watch it for him!”

Others pointed out the chemistry between Vijay and Bhagyashri Borse, which has become one of the talking points post-release. Some viewers expressed disappointment with the over-the-top action sequences, while others critiqued the writing and pacing of the film’s second half.

Despite these concerns, Kingdom is being lauded for its stylish presentation, solid production design, and pulsating music score, which kept viewers engaged, especially in the early segments of the film.

What Netizens Are Saying on X

Here’s a selection of reviews from social media:

• “Vijay Deverakonda steals the show. Even if the film falters in parts, he doesn’t.”

• “Kingdom is high on action and emotions but low on substance.”

• “Didn’t work for me. This kind of cinema is not what I expected from Gautham Tinnanuri.”

• “Loved the Vijay-Bhagyashri pairing. Hope they do more films together.”

The reviews suggest a polarized audience, with Vijay’s fans cheering his return, while others feel the film lacks the depth needed to sustain its serious themes.

Creative Team Behind Kingdom

• Director: Gautham Tinnanuri

• Producers: Naga Vamsi & Sai Soujanya

• Production Houses: Sithara Entertainments & Fortune Four Cinemas

• Lead Cast: Vijay Deverakonda, Bhagyashri Borse, Satyadev Kancharana

• Languages Released: Telugu, Tamil, Hindi

• Release Date: 31 July 2025

Director Gautham Tinnanuri, known for his emotionally driven narratives (as seen in his previous film Jersey), ventured into the spy thriller genre for the first time with Kingdom. While his signature emotional beats are present, critics feel they are overshadowed by the formulaic treatment of espionage tropes.

Comparison with Vijay Deverakonda’s Past Films

Fans and critics alike have drawn comparisons between Kingdom and Vijay’s earlier films. While his performance in Arjun Reddy remains iconic, Kingdom reflects a matured actor exploring new genres. After mixed receptions for films like Liger and World Famous Lover, Kingdom serves as a redeeming outing, re-establishing his box office pull.

Pros and Cons of Kingdom

Pros:

• Vijay Deverakonda’s commanding performance

• Gripping first half and spy-based setup

• High production values and background score

• Fresh pairing with Bhagyashri Borse

Cons:

• Predictable screenplay and second-half dips

• Exaggerated action scenes lacking realism

• Emotional core not fully explored

Expectations Going Forward

If Kingdom maintains momentum over the weekend, it could cross Rs 60 crore by Sunday, making it one of Vijay Deverakonda’s top earners in 2025. The Hindi version (Saamraajya) is also doing well in metro multiplexes, indicating a growing pan-India appeal for the actor.

The coming days will be crucial, as word of mouth and audience engagement will determine the film’s long-term success. The team is expected to embark on nationwide promotions and post-release interviews to keep the buzz alive.

Conclusion

Kingdom is a star-driven entertainer that showcases Vijay Deverakonda in a powerful avatar, blending emotion with action. Though the narrative lacks consistency in its second half, the film benefits from solid performances, energetic sequences, and mass appeal.

Whether you're a Vijay Deverakonda fan or a lover of spy thrillers, Kingdom offers enough to warrant a watch—despite the occasional narrative hiccups. As it stands, the film has made a strong impression at the box office, and its success now rests on how well it continues to resonate with broader audiences.

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