In a strategic move, Vijay Deverakonda starrer highly anticipated Telugu spy action thriller, “Kingdom,” will hit theatres on July 31, 2025. However, its Hindi version, titled “Saamraajya,” will bypass a theatrical release in North India, opting instead for a direct-to-OTT premiere exclusively on Netflix. This dual-release strategy aims to navigate the complexities of the current market and maximize reach.
“Kingdom” Secures July 31st Theatrical Release; Hindi Version “Saamraajya” Heads Directly to Netflix
The team behind Vijay Deverakonda’s Kingdom has officially locked in July 31, 2025 as the film’s theatrical release date. This much-awaited Telugu-language spy action thriller promises to showcase Vijay Deverakonda in a rugged and intense avatar, a departure from some of his recent romantic roles.
However, a notable decision has emerged regarding the film’s Hindi dubbed version, “Saamraajya.” Despite a Hindi teaser being released earlier, the makers have opted to skip a theatrical release for “Saamraajya” in North Indian circuits. Instead, the film will directly premiere on the streaming giant Netflix. This marks a significant strategic pivot, highlighting the growing prominence of digital platforms for reaching a wider, pan-Indian audience without the traditional theatrical hurdles.
Strategic Shift: Navigating Theatrical Challenges for Hindi Adaptation
The decision to avoid a theatrical release for “Saamraajya” stems from several practical considerations, according to industry reports. One primary factor is the challenge of securing robust backing from major multiplex chains in North India for a dubbed film, especially amidst a crowded release calendar. Without strong theatrical support, the profitability of a Hindi theatrical run becomes uncertain.
Additionally, the team is said to have considered the mandatory eight-week window policy, which requires a film to wait at least eight weeks after its theatrical release before debuting on a digital platform. For “Saamraajya,” adhering to this rule would significantly delay its availability on Netflix, complicating their existing deal with the streaming platform. Sources suggest that Netflix had originally signed a different, more comprehensive deal with the makers, but due to multiple delays in the film’s production and theatrical release schedule, the streaming platform reportedly requested the team to release the film in theatres as soon as possible to adhere to their revised terms. To circumvent these complexities and avoid potential setbacks, the decision was made to leverage Netflix’s vast reach through a direct OTT release for the Hindi version.
Gowtam Tinnanuri Directs Kingdom: A Spy Action Thriller
“Kingdom” is both written and directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, the acclaimed filmmaker behind the National Award-winning sports drama “Jersey.” Tinnanuri’s reputation for crafting emotionally resonant and engaging narratives brings a significant artistic weight to this action-packed thriller. His vision for “Kingdom” is expected to blend intense action sequences with a compelling plot, showcasing Vijay Deverakonda in a never-before-seen role. The promo for “Kingdom” reportedly shows Deverakonda initially as a police constable before transforming into a hardened individual, hinting at a narrative filled with themes of survival, betrayal, and redemption.
The production of the film is helmed by Naga Vamsi S and Sai Soujanya, backing it under their respective banners—Sithara Entertainments and Fortune 4 Cinemas. These production houses are known for backing quality content in Telugu cinema, further underscoring the high expectations surrounding “Kingdom.” Music for the film is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, adding another layer of anticipation for its score.
The Evolving Landscape: OTT vs. Theatrical for Pan-India Films
The release strategy for “Kingdom” and “Saamraajya” reflects a broader trend in Indian cinema, where filmmakers and distributors are increasingly adopting hybrid models to maximize audience reach and profitability. While big-ticket South Indian films often aim for pan-India theatrical releases across multiple languages, the economics and logistical challenges, especially for dubbed versions, can be substantial.
Direct-to-OTT releases for specific language versions offer a viable alternative. They bypass distribution complexities, eliminate the need for extensive marketing budgets for theatrical runs in non-native languages, and allow for immediate global reach through platforms like Netflix. This approach allows the primary Telugu version to capitalize on its core theatrical market, while the Hindi version taps into a massive digital audience without the constraints of traditional exhibition models. This strategic decision by the “Kingdom” makers could set a precedent for how future multi-language films approach their releases, particularly for versions beyond their primary theatrical market.
As July 31st approaches, fans eagerly await “Kingdom” in theatres, while those who prefer Hindi will look forward to “Saamraajya’s” imminent arrival on Netflix.
