Vijay Deverakonda’s 'Kingdom' Makes Noise On Day 1 — But Can It Rule The Throne For Long?

By Prashant for PuneriPages.in

Let’s be honest — it’s been a while since we felt that first-day-first-show type excitement. But when Kingdom hit theatres, the vibe changed. Vijay Deverakonda fans? They didn’t just show up — they took over. I had to see what the hype was all about. And bhai, it wasn’t just hype. It was madness.

What’s the Film Even About?

Directed by Yogendra Sharma, Kingdom is a full-on political action drama. But not the usual thali — this one’s got masala, maar-dhaad, and surprisingly, moments that actually hit you in the feels. Vijay plays a young guy rising through a corrupt political system, and let me tell you — this isn’t your Rowdy Boy avatar. It’s more intense, more mature.

It’s like seeing a lion finally stop roaring and start hunting smart.

Day 1 Collections – Paisa Bolta Hai

So, how much did it earn? Trade analysts are estimating around ₹11.4 crore on Day 1. Not bad at all, especially considering there’s competition like Deadpool & Wolverine out there.

And it’s not just big cities. In towns across Andhra, Telangana, even Pune — people showed up. Packed single screens, crowds dancing during interval, whistles flying when Vijay walks in slow motion. That energy? No PR can manufacture that.

Reactions – It’s Not Perfect, But It’s Powerful

Let’s keep it real — some folks didn’t love it. They said the second half was too slow or that the political commentary was too much. Fair.

But sitting in that theatre, I saw something else — goosebumps during emotional scenes, cheers during action, and actual silence when Vijay delivers a hard-hitting monologue. That silence? That’s respect.

What Clicked vs What Didn’t

🔥 What’s Working:

Vijay’s acting? Next level. Like he became the character.
The background score is stuck in my head. (Not kidding, I hummed it while walking out.)
The film actually says something. It’s not just fight-mar romance-repeat.

⚠️ What Might Hurt:

Could’ve been 20 minutes shorter.
Multiplex crowd might not vibe as hard once the fan rush settles.
It needs positive word-of-mouth for next week’s survival.

Final Thoughts – My 2 Paisa

Kingdom is not a perfect film. But it’s got soul. It hits hard where it matters — emotionally and politically. And most importantly, it reminds us why theatres still matter.

If you’re a Vijay fan, this is non-negotiable — go watch it. If you’re into powerful stories with grit and ambition, still go watch it. Might just surprise you.

As for whether it can rule the box office kingdom — only time will tell. But after Day 1, one thing’s for sure: the war for the throne has officially begun.