In a significant setback for Tollywood star Vijay Deverakonda, the planned sequel to his 2025 spy action film 'Kingdom' has been officially shelved by its producers. This decision comes in the wake of the first film's disappointing performance at the box office, which failed to meet the high expectations set by its star-studded cast and acclaimed director.
'Kingdom 2' Officially Shelved by Producers
Producer Naga Vamsi, who bankrolled the ambitious project under his banner, has confirmed that 'Kingdom 2' will not move forward. The information, initially reported by Lets Cinema, puts an end to months of speculation regarding the franchise's future. 'Kingdom' was originally conceived as a high-budget, two-part franchise, but the underwhelming reception of the first instalment has forced the makers to abandon the saga entirely.
The film, directed by Gowtham Tinnanuri of 'Jersey' fame, was one of the most anticipated releases of 2025. It featured Vijay Deverakonda in a leading role, supported by actors Satyadev Kancharana and Bhagyashri Borse. Despite the grand scale and hype, the movie could not translate its pre-release buzz into commercial success.
High Hopes, Low Returns: The 'Kingdom' Box Office Debacle
The financial figures tell a stark story. According to box office tracking platform Sacnilk, 'Kingdom' collected approximately Rs 82.05 crore worldwide. This sum was insufficient to cover its massive reported production budget of Rs 130 crore, meaning the theatrical run resulted in a significant loss for its investors. The film's inability to even recover its making cost sealed its fate and directly led to the cancellation of the sequel.
Following its theatrical run, 'Kingdom' found a home on the streaming giant Netflix, where it is available in multiple languages. However, this digital release was not enough to salvage the plans for a cinematic universe. The shelving of 'Kingdom 2' marks another commercial disappointment for Vijay Deverakonda, who has faced a string of underperforming films in recent years.
What's Next for Vijay Deverakonda?
Despite the setback, the actor has multiple projects lined up to stage a comeback. He is currently working on the action thriller 'Rowdy Janardhana', directed by Ravi Kiran Kola and co-starring Keerthy Suresh. The recently released teaser showcases Deverakonda in a raw and rugged avatar, hinting at a intense performance.
Furthermore, the actor is also set to collaborate with director Rahul Sankrityan for a project tentatively titled 'VD14'. His fans and industry watchers will be keenly observing whether these upcoming films can help him regain his standing as a bankable box office star in Telugu cinema.
The shelving of 'Kingdom 2' serves as a reminder of the high-stakes nature of the film industry, where even projects with the most promising pedigrees can falter, leading to tough business decisions.
