Kingdom Movie Review
Kingdom Movie Review
Telugu360 Rating: 2.75/5
Story:
Set in the 1990s, the story follows Telugu migrants from Srikakulam who have settled in Sri Lanka. Suri, an upright and hot-headed constable known for his fearless nature,even striking his superiors when they are in the wrong ,is chosen for a covert mission in Sri Lanka. As part of the deal, he’s promised a reunion with his long-lost brother, Satyadev, who has been missing for 18 years.
Suri infiltrates the Jaffna prison and finally meets Satyadev. After breaking out, the brothers embark on a new mission together. However, the same officer who recruited Suri begins playing mind games, adding a layer of intrigue. Meanwhile, a powerful smuggling mafia led by Murugan forms the other axis of the gripping drama set in Sri Lanka.
Analysis:
“ మృత్యువు తప్పదు అన్నప్పుడు కూడా నిలిచి పోరాడే ఒక నాయకుడి కథ”
The film stays true to its central dialogue. The first half is engaging, while the second half is very average, elevated by a couple of impactful moments. Vijay Deverakonda fully disappears into the role and at no point do you see the actor, only Suri.
Kingdom isn’t your typical mass entertainer. It carries intense conflict reminiscent of films like Salaar and Chatrapathi, focusing on the struggles of the oppressed. However, for audiences expecting high-octane action sequences, the film KINGDOM may come across as slow-paced. Staying true to his sensibilities, Gowtham Tinnanuri crafts an inspired narrative, bringing a touch of freshness to the storytelling through his unique approach. Mr Thinnanuri remains loyal to his narrative vision and extracts top-notch technical output from his team. However, the pacing dips occasionally.
One of the film’s standout elements is its production quality. Sithara Entertainments (Naga Vamshi) placed tremendous faith in the director, supporting the project with a scale that far exceeds the hero’s current market range. Anirudh deviates from his signature BGM style, opting for a more understated score which works quite effectively. Bhagyashree’s role is minimal, with little impact either way.
Satyadev and Venkitesh shine in their emotionally grounded roles. Had the emotional beats matched the strength of the drama, this could’ve been a landmark film. As it stands, it’s a decent watch – best enjoyed in a good theater.
Performances:
Vijay Deverakonda delivers a strong comeback with a commendable performance. He effortlessly slips into the roles of an innocent constable, a period-era character, and a prisoner, showcasing impressive range. The boat sequence stands out as a highlight. Satyadev shines equally in the role of Suri’s elder brother, bringing depth to the narrative. The heroine’s role is extremely limited, and Bhagyashree Borse is unfortunately underutilized.
Positives:
• Vijay Deverakonda’s commanding screen presence and performance
• A unique storyline presented on a grand scale
• Technically impressive visuals
• Anirudh’s impactful background score
Negatives:
• The intended drama doesn’t translate into emotional impact
• A few noticeable plot holes
• The narrative feels slow-paced
Verdict:
KINGDOM is a decent watch, with its strengths outweighing the shortcomings. Vijay Deverakonda’s performance and the film’s lavish production values make it a worth one time watch. National award winning film ‘Jersey’ director Gowtham Thinnanuri delivered a slow paced film.
Telugu360 Rating: 2.75/5
