Vijay Deverakonda’s much-anticipated action thriller Kingdom has finally hit the big screens, and fans were expecting fireworks. Directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, the film opened on July 30 to considerable buzz, especially in Telugu-speaking regions. However, its Day 1 box office performance has sparked a different kind of conversation one that balances star power with narrative shortcomings.
On its first day, Kingdom managed to earn just over Rs 3 crore in India and Rs 5 crore overseas, according to early estimates. While not a disaster, the numbers are underwhelming for a film led by a crowd-puller like Deverakonda. The mid-week release may have slowed momentum, but there’s more to the story than just timing.
Where Kingdom clearly succeeds is in its reach. Occupancy rates in cities like Warangal and Vishakhapatnam hovered around 85 percent remarkable for a weekday release. Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, and Kakinada also saw strong turnouts, proving that Vijay Deverakonda’s mass appeal remains intact. His fan base is loyal and turned up in full force, even when the storyline failed to live up to the hype.
Critics and audiences alike agree that Deverakonda carries the film on his shoulders. His intense screen presence and commitment to the role have been widely appreciated. One user wrote, “Vijay Deverakonda is undoubtedly the film’s greatest asset. He carries the movie with his intense screen presence and delivers a compelling performance that stands out.” Supporting actor Sathya Dev has also received praise for delivering a deeply moving performance that added emotional depth to the otherwise action-heavy narrative.
What lets Kingdom down is its writing. The plot has been described as disjointed, and many feel that the emotional highs never quite land. The story struggles to maintain a consistent pace, and despite a rich setup and spy-thriller intrigue, it lacks the edge-of-your-seat energy needed to truly hook the audience.
That said, the film’s technical brilliance cannot be ignored. Viewers have lauded the cinematography and background score. The visual palette is rich and engaging, and the action sequences are sleekly choreographed. Unfortunately, these elements only go so far when the narrative doesn’t offer enough substance.
As the weekend approaches, all eyes are on how Kingdom will perform at the box office. Word-of-mouth will play a crucial role. If audiences continue to show up for Vijay Deverakonda, the film could still recover and build momentum. But to cross the blockbuster threshold, Kingdom needs more than just star power it needs a story that sticks.
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