Vijay Deverakonda’s Comeback Film Sparks Mixed Reviews
The highly anticipated spy action drama film “Kingdom,” starring Indian actor Vijay Deverakonda, was released worldwide on Thursday, July 31, 2025, to a mix of strong box office numbers and online controversy. The film, a two-part series directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, has been heavily promoted as Deverakonda’s major comeback after a series of setbacks. Early box office reports indicate a significant opening, with over one lakh tickets sold within 24 hours of release and an impressive global pre-sale performance, particularly in the US. However, a major online debate has erupted, with some social media users, including an actor-turned-reviewer, accusing the film of negatively portraying a specific community. These claims have been met with a strong backlash from the film’s fans, who point to a disclaimer at the start of the movie stating that it is based on a fictional world. This controversy has ignited discussions, but it has not stopped the film from a strong theatrical opening in multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi.
Sequel Setup and a Japanese Fifth Installment
While “Kingdom” is making waves at the box office, it has also received criticism from some viewers for its narrative structure. A recurring sentiment among disappointed fans is that the film’s momentum wanes in the second half, with a rushed finale that serves primarily as a setup for a Part 2. This trend of ending films with a cliffhanger for a sequel is becoming a point of fatigue for many audiences in the Telugu cinema industry. Despite these critiques, the film’s producers have already confirmed that a second part is in the works, with plans to begin production as soon as star Vijay Deverakonda completes his other commitments. Separately, the live-action Japanese “Kingdom” movie franchise, based on the historical epic manga, has announced a fifth film. Scheduled for a summer 2026 release in Japan, the upcoming film will continue the saga of the protagonist Xin, portrayed by actor Kento Yamazaki. This announcement was accompanied by a “super teaser” trailer and a visual, maintaining the momentum of the highly successful series that began in 2019.
