Introduction

Vijay Deverakonda, one of Tollywood’s most charismatic stars, is gearing up for a monumental comeback with his highly anticipated spy action drama Kingdom, directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri. Scheduled for a grand theatrical release on July 31, 2025, the film, also known as Saamrajya in Hindi, has sparked immense excitement among fans and cinephiles alike. With its gripping teaser, stellar cast, and a hefty dose of hype amplified by strategic promotional campaigns, Kingdom is poised to be a cinematic spectacle. Here’s a deep dive into the story, buzz, and everything you need to know about this action-packed thriller, exclusively for Bharat Tone.

The Story of Kingdom

Kingdom is a Telugu-language spy action drama set against the backdrop of the post-Independence Sinhala-Tamil conflict, weaving a tale of loyalty, brotherhood, and resilience. The narrative follows Vijay Deverakonda’s character, a police officer turned prisoner, who rises as a leader to protect his people amidst escalating tensions. The story is said to unfold like a novel, blending intense action sequences with deep emotional layers, a hallmark of director Gowtam Tinnanuri’s storytelling style, as seen in his critically acclaimed film Jersey (2019).

The teaser, released on February 12, 2025, offers glimpses of Vijay’s character navigating a world of chaos, from high-stakes spy missions to brutal prison fights. The promo showcases jaw-dropping action, with Vijay firing bullets and confronting injustices, hinting at a transformative journey from a law enforcer to a revolutionary figure. The story also emphasizes the bond between brothers, as highlighted in promotional materials, with characters Siva (played by Satyadev Kancharana) and Suri evoking strong emotional resonance. Bhagyashri Borse plays the female lead, adding depth to the narrative, while the film’s ensemble cast, including Rukmini Vasanth and others, promises a rich tapestry of characters.

The film is the first installment of a planned duology, suggesting a larger, interconnected narrative that will unfold over two parts. With a budget of ₹130 crore and a reported ₹50 crore OTT deal, Kingdom is a high-stakes project backed by Sithara Entertainments, Fortune Four Cinemas, and Srikara Studios, with producers Naga Vamsi and Sai Soujanya at the helm.

The Hype Surrounding Kingdom

The buzz for Kingdom has been building steadily since its announcement in January 2023, initially under the tentative title VD12. Despite multiple delays—originally slated for March 28, 2025, then postponed to May 30, July 4, and finally locked for July 31—the anticipation has only grown. Fans and industry insiders have lauded the film’s promotional materials, particularly the teaser, which features voiceovers by N.T. Rama Rao Jr. (Telugu), Suriya (Tamil), and Ranbir Kapoor (Hindi), adding star power to its multilingual appeal. Posts on X have described the teaser as “excellent” and a “grand, content-driven spectacle,” with Vijay’s intense performance and Anirudh Ravichander’s pulsating background score earning widespread praise.

Vijay Deverakonda’s star power remains a significant draw, despite recent box-office setbacks like Liger and The Family Star. His ability to generate hype, as noted by fans on X, underscores his enduring appeal as one of South India’s most exciting young actors. The film’s promotional campaign has been relentless, with key moments like the release of the title teaser theme “Kingdom Teaser OST” on March 17, 2025, and singles “Hridayam Lopala” (May 2, 2025) and “Anna Antene” (July 16, 2025), further fueling excitement. A grand trailer launch event is planned in Tirupati on July 26, 2025, with a pre-release event expected two days later, amplifying the film’s visibility.

Ticket Price Surge in Andhra Pradesh

In a significant boost for the makers, the Andhra Pradesh government has approved a special ticket price hike for Kingdom for the first ten days of its release, starting July 31, 2025. Single-screen theaters will charge an additional ₹50, while multiplexes will see a ₹75 increase, reflecting the film’s high market expectations and the confidence of exhibitors in its box-office potential. This move, reported by IndiaGlitz and The Times of India, underscores the film’s commercial heft and the anticipation surrounding its release.

The ticket price surge aligns with the film’s massive pre-release buzz, particularly in North America, where it has secured a record deal despite Vijay’s recent box-office struggles. Pre-sales in the USA have reached $36,449 with 1.9K tickets sold, though they lag behind Vijay’s previous film Kushi ($275K+ in premiere pre-sales). With full-fledged bookings expected to boost these numbers, Kingdom is poised for a strong opening, particularly in Telugu and Tamil markets.

The Creative Team Behind Kingdom

Kingdom boasts a formidable technical crew, elevating its production value. Directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, known for his nuanced storytelling, the film features cinematography by Girish Gangadharan and Jomon T. John, editing by National Award-winner Naveen Nooli, and production design by Avinash Kolla. Anirudh Ravichander’s music, including the teaser theme and singles, has already struck a chord with audiences, marking his first collaboration with Vijay Deverakonda and a reunion with Tinnanuri after Jersey. The audio rights, acquired by Aditya Music, further amplify the film’s reach.

Vijay’s collaboration with Sandeep Reddy Vanga, though not as director but in a promotional interview alongside Tinnanuri, has added to the film’s allure. The trio’s interaction, set against a vintage car, has gone viral on social media, with fans reminiscing about their Arjun Reddy days. This strategic promotion, coupled with Vijay’s recovery from dengue to join the promotional campaign, has kept Kingdom in the spotlight.

Challenges and Delays

The road to Kingdom’s release has not been without hurdles. Initially announced in January 2023, the project faced multiple postponements due to Vijay’s commitments to Kushi and The Family Star, as well as external factors like India-Pakistan tensions, which delayed promotions in May 2025. The makers cited the “somber national mood” and “volatile situation at the borders” as reasons for pushing the release from May 30 to July 4, and later to July 31, ensuring the film could be presented with the “creative excellence it deserves.” Principal photography, which began in June 2023 across Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Kerala, and Sri Lanka, was also delayed, but the team’s commitment to quality has kept expectations high.

Fan Expectations and Vijay’s Comeback

For Vijay Deverakonda, Kingdom is more than just a film—it’s a chance to reclaim his box-office glory after a string of underwhelming releases. Fans are particularly excited about his intense, layered role, with posts on X predicting a “biggest comeback” and praising the teaser’s visuals and NTR’s voiceover. Vijay himself has described Kingdom as a “thick-layered action drama” that balances emotional depth with spectacle, expressing confidence in Tinnanuri’s vision and the film’s stellar team. The film’s narrative, centered on a leader’s fight for his people, resonates with Vijay’s image as a relatable yet larger-than-life star.

Rashmika Mandanna, Vijay’s long-time friend and co-star, has added to the hype, calling the promo “fire” and extending birthday wishes to Vijay on his 36th birthday, further amplifying the film’s buzz. The emotional connect of the story, particularly the brotherly bond highlighted in the song “Anna Antene,” has struck a chord, with Vijay noting that it will evoke strong feelings for those with siblings and a sense of longing for those without.

What to Expect on Release

Kingdom will release in Telugu and Tamil, with dubbed versions in Hindi, though reports suggest the Hindi version may premiere directly on OTT platforms like Netflix. The film’s action sequences, emotional depth, and Anirudh’s score are expected to be major draws, while the planned duology format hints at a sprawling narrative that will leave audiences eager for the second installment. With a grand trailer launch in Tirupati on July 26, 2025, and a pre-release event on July 28, the film is set to dominate conversations in the lead-up to its release.

Conclusion

Kingdom is more than just a film—it’s a testament to Vijay Deverakonda’s resilience and star power, Gowtam Tinnanuri’s storytelling prowess, and Tollywood’s ability to deliver high-octane yet emotionally resonant cinema. With its ticket price hike in Andhra Pradesh, a stellar cast, and a promotional campaign that has fans on the edge of their seats, Kingdom is poised to be a defining moment in Telugu cinema. As the trailer drops in two days and the release date approaches, all eyes are on Vijay Deverakonda to deliver a performance that will cement his legacy. Mark your calendars for July 31, 2025, and get ready to witness the rise of a new Kingdom!

Stay tuned to Bharat Tone for more updates on Kingdom and the latest in Indian cinema.