Let’s be real — Vijay Deverakonda really needed a win. After a streak of underwhelming films and box office misses, fans were beginning to wonder if the charm was fading. But Kingdom, which hit theatres on July 31, might just be the comeback everyone was hoping for.
The early reviews? Pretty solid. While it’s no masala potboiler, Kingdom lands its emotional punches with surprising depth. The film may start slow, but once it finds its rhythm, it doesn’t let go — and neither does Vijay.
The Story Has Heart — And That’s What Works
Directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri (of Jersey fame), Kingdom isn’t trying to impress with whistles and one-liners. Instead, it leans hard into the emotional arc of its lead character. And that’s where Vijay steps up, big time. His portrayal is raw, layered, and deeply moving. You can see the effort he’s put into restraining the over-the-top style he’s sometimes known for. This one’s subtle — and it pays off.
While some folks on social media mentioned that the screenplay drags in parts, especially in the first half, most agree that it’s a slow burn with a rewarding payoff. The second half, especially, hits you where it hurts — in the best way.
Fans Are Already Calling It His Best
On X (formerly Twitter), fans didn’t hold back with the praise. Words like “career-best,” “heart-touching,” and “Vijay is finally back!” flooded timelines after the first few shows. And honestly, it’s not just the fan clubs saying this. Neutral viewers seem genuinely surprised by how emotionally grounded the film feels.
Someone even wrote, “Kingdom is not just a movie; it’s therapy for anyone who’s been through failure and is still holding on.” That’s the kind of impact we’re talking about.
No Hero Glorification, Just Honest Storytelling
What’s refreshing about Kingdom is that it doesn’t try to glorify its hero. There are no punch dialogues designed to go viral, no unnecessary fights or dance breaks to distract from the core narrative. Instead, you get a deeply personal story about a man navigating his way through loss, identity, and redemption.
Vijay’s performance feels mature, almost as if he’s channeled some of his own real-life struggles into the role. Whether it’s a quiet breakdown or a powerful monologue, he makes it believable — and that’s what makes Kingdom resonate.
So, Is It Worth Watching?
If you’re looking for a fast-paced action fest, this might not be your jam. But if you’re in the mood for something emotional, well-acted, and real, then Kingdom deserves your time. This isn’t Vijay trying to be a massy hero. This is Vijay trying to be a better actor — and honestly, he succeeds.
The film also deserves credit for its soulful music, clean cinematography, and a supporting cast that doesn’t just exist to prop up the hero. Everything feels more grounded, more honest.
