Fans had high expectations when Kingdom, starring Vijay Deverakonda alongside Bhagyashri Borse and Satyadev, hit cinemas on July 31, 2025. Directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, this espionage-packed action thriller delivers emotional stakes, strong performances, and visual finesse. Critic responses and social media chatter have leaned positive, with Vijay’s portrayal of a police constable caught in a geopolitical crisis earning particular praise.
Opening Day Performance of Kingdom Movie
The Telugu version raked in around ₹15.50–15.75 crore on opening day, marking Vijay’s strongest start since Liger (₹15.95 crore). It also surpassed the debut figures of his 2022 release Kushi (₹15.25 crore), making it his highest opener in Telugu to date. The combined share in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana stood at ₹11.38 crore, ranking third among Tier II hero releases.
Advance bookings hinted at solid momentum, with reports estimating ₹18–20 crore even before release. Overseas buzz was strong too, especially in North America, where pre-sales beat those of HIT 3, though final box office placements remain to be seen.
Engagement on social platforms shows viewers appreciating the film’s emotional depth and narrative twists. Some pacing issues have been mentioned, but overall feedback supports the blockbuster tag. Sandeep Reddy Vanga, who previewed the film, called it “a super hit” and praised its visuals and performances, adding that Kingdom appears poised for success.
Challenges and Headwinds
Less encouraging news: Kingdom leaked online just a day after release. Pirated versions became widely available, triggering concern for box office returns and viewer safety. Industry voices have urged audiences to rely on legal routes to support the film and its creators. And while Kingdom closed July with strong buzz, overall Tollywood box office for the month remained below expectations, with other releases underperforming.
The film’s debut closely trails Liger but indicates regained momentum for Vijay Deverakonda. Given the strong start and upcoming word-of-mouth, Kingdom seems likely to shape up as a meaningful rebound after previous disappointments. It’s set for a Netflix release around early September, aligning with standard Telugu film OTT timelines.
Going ahead, box office growth across the weekend and piracy countermeasures will determine how high Kingdom can fly.
