A Rollercoaster Start: Vijay Deverakonda’s Kingdom Takes a Sharp Turn on Day 2
After an explosive opening day that reignited the buzz around Vijay Deverakonda, Kingdom has experienced a significant drop in collections on its second day. The much-hyped action entertainer, which had been billed as Deverakonda’s big comeback vehicle after the lukewarm reception to Kushi and Liger, now faces the crucial test of sustaining its momentum over the weekend.
As per early estimates from industry tracker Sacnilk, Kingdom raked in ₹7.5 crore on Day 2, registering a sharp 58.33% decline from its massive ₹18 crore opening day collection. The total two-day domestic net collection now stands at ₹25.5 crore, positioning it marginally ahead of both Kushi and Liger at the same stage in their theatrical runs.
Let’s take a deeper look at the film’s performance, the factors affecting its box office journey, and what this could mean for Vijay Deverakonda’s career trajectory.
Kingdom: Box Office Breakdown: Day 1 vs Day 2
| Day | India Net Collection |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | ₹18 crore |
| Day 2 | ₹7.5 crore |
| Total | ₹25.5 crore |
On its opening day, Kingdom managed to outperform the opening of Kushi (₹15.25 crore) and nearly matched Liger’s (₹19 crore) debut numbers. However, its Day 2 earnings dropped to ₹7.5 crore, falling short of Kushi’s ₹9.9 crore and landing just above Liger’s ₹4.4 crore. While the Day 2 dip is significant, Kingdom’s cumulative total still keeps it ahead of the pack with a narrow lead.
Kingdom: Occupancy Trends: Respectable Evening Showings Boost Numbers
Despite the drop in collections, Kingdom maintained a decent average occupancy rate of 42.56% across Telugu-speaking regions on Day 2. Here’s a breakdown of the time-wise occupancy:
- Morning Shows: 27.39%
- Afternoon Shows: 38.12%
- Evening Shows: 43.21%
- Night Shows: 61.50%
As is typical for weekday releases, morning and afternoon shows underperformed due to regular working hours. However, the film picked up traction during the evening and night shows, suggesting that word-of-mouth, while mixed, may still be enough to draw the loyal fanbase.
Regional Performances: Warangal Leads the Charge
Regionally, Kingdom performed strongest in the following areas:
- Warangal: 69.50% occupancy
- Mahbubnagar: 56.50% occupancy
- Hyderabad: 52.50% occupancy
These figures reflect the power of Deverakonda’s fanbase in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, where his films have traditionally found more traction. The good turnout in these regions could be a positive sign going into the weekend.
Mixed Reviews Begin to Take Their Toll
One of the key reasons for the Day 2 dip is the lukewarm to mixed reviews from both critics and the audience. While some praised the action sequences and Deverakonda’s commanding screen presence, others found fault with the film’s predictable plotline, inconsistent pacing, and lack of emotional depth.
Critics have largely rated Kingdom as a formulaic entertainer — heavy on style, light on substance. On platforms like IMDb and BookMyShow, user ratings hover between 2.5 to 3.5 stars. While not disastrous, these reviews may hinder the film’s long-term prospects if word-of-mouth doesn’t improve over the weekend.
Facing Tough Competition at the Box Office
Another major factor contributing to Kingdom’s slowdown is the stiff competition it is currently facing at the box office. Several high-profile releases are eating into the film’s audience share, including:
- Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara – A romantic thriller targeting multiplex audiences
- Ajay Devgn’s Son of Sardaar – Drawing in family and action film fans
- Karan Johar’s Dhadak 2 – Catering to younger audiences and urban viewers
This crowded box office landscape makes it harder for Kingdom to retain screens and footfalls, especially in Tier-1 cities and metro multiplexes.
Vijay Deverakonda: Still a Star, But Needs a Hit
There’s no doubt that Vijay Deverakonda continues to command a loyal following, especially in the Telugu belt. After his meteoric rise with films like Arjun Reddy and Geetha Govindam, expectations from every new project are sky-high.
However, back-to-back underperformers like Liger and Kushi have led to questions about the consistency of his script choices. Kingdom was supposed to be his big comeback and while it started strong, sustaining that energy will be crucial in the days to come.
If Kingdom manages to show strong growth over the weekend, it could stabilize and emerge as a commercial success, albeit a modest one. If not, it risks becoming another missed opportunity for the actor.
Social Media Buzz and Fan Reactions
On social media, the response has been mixed but energetic. Hashtags like #KingdomDay2, #VijayDeverakonda, and #KingdomMovie have trended periodically on X (formerly Twitter). Here’s what fans are saying:
- “Vijay’s screen presence is 🔥🔥🔥! Just wish the story had more punch.”
- “First half is mass, second half could have been tighter. Still a decent watch.”
- “Better than Liger, but not peak VD. Waiting for weekend boost!”
Fan clubs across the South continue to rally around the star, organizing special screenings and online promotions. This grassroots support could be instrumental in pushing the film through a potentially tough third and fourth day.
Can the Weekend Save Kingdom?
The big question now is whether Kingdom can recover its momentum during the weekend. If the film shows even a slight uptick on Day 3 (Saturday), it could signal strong retention and a longer box office run. Here are a few things working in its favor:
- Limited New Releases on Saturday/Sunday
- Loyal Fan Base and Youth Appeal
- Solid Night Show Turnout
However, everything depends on how many repeat audiences and undecided viewers it can attract after mixed initial reception.
Final Verdict: A Rocky Road, But Not a Lost Cause
To sum it up, Kingdom’s Day 2 box office performance is a mix of highs and lows. While the initial drop is steep, the film still holds a decent cumulative collection that places it ahead of Vijay Deverakonda’s previous releases at the same stage.
The upcoming weekend will be critical — not just for Kingdom, but for Deverakonda’s standing as a bankable mass star. If the film manages to hold steady or grow, it could turn out to be a moderate success. But if the slide continues, it might join the list of recent underwhelming ventures for the star.
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