Vijay Deverakonda's latest film, 'Kingdom,' directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, premiered on July 31, 2025, marking a significant release for the actor. The spy action drama garnered an impressive ₹15.50 crore on its opening day, indicating a strong commercial start that slightly trailed his previous film 'Liger' but surpassed the opening day collections of 'Kushi' and 'The Family Star.' This performance highlights Deverakonda's continued appeal to audiences, particularly within the Telugu states.
'Kingdom' follows Deverakonda as Suri, a constable on a covert mission to find his missing brother, Shiva, portrayed by Satyadev. The narrative unfolds against a backdrop of smuggling cartels and challenging environments in Sri Lanka, with the film intended as the first part of a planned duology.
Critical reception for 'Kingdom' has been divided. While Deverakonda's performance has been widely praised, with some critics calling it a career-best, the film's storytelling has faced criticism for predictability and pacing issues, especially in its latter half. The visual presentation, cinematography by Girish Gangadharan and Jomon T. John, and Anirudh Ravichander's musical score have been commended for enhancing the film's action sequences and overall depth.
The film experienced several release date postponements, with its premiere eventually set for July 31, 2025. Despite these delays, the opening day box office performance demonstrates considerable audience interest. The long-term success of 'Kingdom' will depend on its ability to resonate with audiences beyond the initial buzz, particularly given the mixed critical feedback on its narrative structure.