Vijay Deverakonda Interview: on Kingdom Success

A New Era of Telugu Cinema: In Conversation with Vijay Deverakonda on “Kingdom”

The cinematic world is buzzing with excitement over the resounding success of “Kingdom.” Directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, the film has not only captivated audiences in the Telugu states but has also made waves across India and overseas. With stellar performances by Vijay Deverakonda, Satyadev, Bhagyashri Borse, and Venkatesh, and a soul-stirring score by Anirudh Ravichander, “Kingdom” is rapidly etching its name amongst the biggest hits of the year.

We caught up with Vijay Deverakonda, the film’s leading man, who opened up about the film’s phenomenal run, his preparation, and the journey ahead.

Q: Vijay, “Kingdom” is the talk of the town! How does it feel to witness this kind of reception?

It’s overwhelming and deeply satisfying. Watching people respond with so much love – not just in our region, but even in places like Kerala, where we didn’t release a Malayalam version – is incredible. The universal appreciation is heartwarming.

Q: Has your perception of success changed since your early days?

Absolutely. When I started, a hit simply meant more opportunities ahead. Now, every success feels like an added responsibility – to give audiences something even better next time. With “Kingdom,” the stakes were high. Once the first show ended and I heard the positive feedback, I felt a sense of relief and joy like never before.

Q: Gowtam Tinnanuri is noted for his storytelling. What stood out in his direction for you?

Gowtam has this unique knack for weaving emotion, especially around family bonds, into compelling drama. His vision for a gangster narrative set against a powerful brotherly bond truly excited me. Every aspect – from the hero’s arc to the way each fight is rooted in emotion – shows his mastery. There are no superficial moments, every action sequence means something deeper.

Q: We hear that “Kingdom” is just the beginning, with a sequel planned. What can audiences look forward to?

The story is layered; while the first part focuses on the brothers, there are threads of patriotism and a tribal leader’s journey that will unravel further. Gowtam has some terrific ideas for the sequel – and trust me, it’s going to be even bigger and more impactful.

Q: One scene that has everyone talking is the voting with weapons. How was that experience?

When Gowtam first mentioned that sequence, I didn’t know what to expect. Later, learning that the voting process would involve guns and swords – it felt fresh and daring. I think that originality is what’s grabbing audience attention.

Q: From a physical perspective, this is a transformation for you. Can you tell us about your prep?

As soon as I heard the story, I dove deep into research – how people from that period talked and dressed. I also watched relevant series for references. I wanted Suri, my character, to look physically imposing, so I committed to six months of intense training to build that rugged look.

Q: Any moment on set that felt truly special to you?

Filming the ship-pulling scene is unforgettable. We shot in extreme heat, just focused on doing justice to that moment. Now people are calling it the “Jersey moment” of this film – which is an honor.

Q: Any industry feedback that really touched you?

When Sukumar garu called to appreciate my performance, it meant a lot – I’ve always admired his storytelling. Getting his validation was special.

Q: There’s talk of a film with Sukumar. Any developments?

We’ve been wanting to work together for a long time. I respect him, and he respects what I bring as an actor. I’m hopeful it will happen soon, but right now my focus is on my current projects.

Q: What’s next for you after “Kingdom”?

My next film is with director Rahul Sankrityan, set against the Rayalaseema backdrop – it’ll be my first time exploring that dialect and setting. After that, I’ll dive into a unique project with Ravi Kiran Kola, set in Andhra Pradesh. Both scripts are extraordinary – I’m excited for audiences to see them.

“Kingdom” Crew Highlights:

• Cast: Vijay Deverakonda, Satyadev, Bhagyashri Borse, Venkatesh

• Direction: Gowtam Tinnanuri

• Music: Anirudh Ravichander

• Cinematography: Jomon T. John ISC, Girish Gangadharan ISC

• Art: Avinash Kolla

• Editing: Navin Nooli

• Producers: Suryadevara Naga Vamsi, Sai Soujanya

• Banners: Sithara Entertainments, Fortune Four Cinemas

• Presented by: Srikara Studios

Vijay signs off saying:
“At the end of the day, seeing audiences connect, laugh, and cry with your film – that’s the best compliment you can ever receive.”

With “Kingdom,” Vijay Deverakonda and the team have indeed delivered an experience that has brought happiness to the eyes and hearts of countless film lovers.