Vijay Deverakonda’s latest film, Kingdom, has opened to mixed reactions from fans on social media, despite strong initial box office predictions.
Fans Share Mixed Reactions
After hitting theaters today, “Kingdom” was highly anticipated as Vijay Deverakonda’s potential comeback film. However, early responses from viewers on X (formerly Twitter) indicate a divided opinion.
Many fans have praised the movie for its strong dramatic elements and Vijay’s compelling performance. They highlighted the technical strength of the film and an engaging first half.
Praise for Performance and First Half
One user noted, “Kingdom is an action drama that is technically very strong and works well on the drama front, though it falters somewhat in terms of emotional depth.” They added that director Gowtham Tinnanuri successfully built “a properly engaging narrative in the first half.”
Critiques and Disappointments
Despite the praise, a significant number of viewers expressed disappointment, particularly with the film’s second half. Words like “shaky” and “confusing” were frequently used to describe how the movie lost its grip.
Some fans felt disconnected from the narrative as the film progressed. One comment read, “Last 20 minutes I felt disconnected. But, well executed climax.” Another viewer bluntly stated, “Everything feels forced. Nothing worked for me. Kingdom is cheaper, flawed version of Devara.”
Adding to the criticisms, the performance of leading lady Bhagyashri Borse also faced negative feedback from the audience.
Box Office Outlook
Despite the mixed reviews, “Kingdom” is showing promising numbers at the box office. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, the film garnered Rs 2.38 crore by 12 pm on its opening day.
Projections suggest that “Kingdom” could still become Vijay’s biggest opener since his 2023 hit “Kushi,” which earned nearly Rs 26 crore gross worldwide. Pre-sales for “Kingdom,” including premiere shows, already grossed Rs 17 crore.
Current trends indicate that the film is likely to achieve an opening day worldwide gross of over Rs 30 crore, positioning it for a strong start despite the divided critical reception.
Vijay Deverakonda’s Comeback Trail
Directed by Gowtham Tinnanuri, “Kingdom” marks Vijay Deverakonda’s first major release after his 2024 film, “The Family Star,” which did not fare well. He also had a brief appearance in Nag Ashwin’s “Kalki 2898 AD,” though his character’s arc remains open for future installments.
Vijay Deverakonda has been searching for a significant box office success since his 2018 blockbuster, “Geetha Govindam.” The mixed reception for “Kingdom” adds another chapter to his ongoing journey to reclaim his top spot.
- “Kingdom” received mixed reviews, with a strong first half but a confusing second half.
- Vijay Deverakonda’s performance was generally praised, but the lead actress faced criticism.
- The film is projected to have a strong opening day, potentially his biggest since “Kushi.”
- This film follows a series of recent struggles for the actor since his 2018 hit, “Geetha Govindam.”
Fans will be watching closely to see how “Kingdom” performs in the coming days and if it can ultimately turn the tide for the actor.
