Kingston Review : GV Prakash Kumar’s Action-Drama Falls Short

Kingston, starring GV Prakash Kumar, was released today, March 7, 2025. Directed by Ajai Vasudev, the film features GV Prakash Kumar in the lead role, alongside Nikhila Vimal, Lal, and Aju Varghese. GV Prakash also composed the music, while Roby Varghese Raj handled the cinematography. Produced by Listin Stephen under Magic Frames, the film promised an exciting mix of action and drama. However, despite the talented team, Kingston falls short of expectations.

Basic Plot
The story follows Kingston (GV Prakash Kumar), a mechanic with a mysterious past who gets caught in a dangerous conspiracy involving a crime syndicate. As he tries to uncover the truth, he faces betrayal, love, and a race against time to save his loved ones. While the premise had potential, the execution feels underwhelming, with a predictable and disjointed narrative.

Main Actors’ Performance
GV Prakash Kumar tries his best to carry the film, but his performance lacks the depth needed to make Kingston a memorable character. Nikhila Vimal does a decent job, but her role feels underdeveloped. Lal and Aju Varghese provide some support, but their characters are poorly written, leaving little room for them to shine. Overall, the performances fail to elevate the weak script.

Technician Work
The technical aspects of Kingston are a mixed bag. While Roby Varghese Raj’s cinematography is visually appealing in parts, it doesn’t consistently capture the film’s tone. GV Prakash’s music is forgettable, with no standout tracks, and the background score feels repetitive. The editing by Shameer Muhammed is uneven, with pacing issues that make the film drag, especially in the first half.

Highlights of the Film
The film’s few highlights include a couple of well-executed action sequences and some visually striking shots. However, these moments are too few and far between to make a significant impact. The second half attempts to pick up the pace, but by then, the film has already lost much of its momentum.

Drawbacks
Kingston suffers from numerous flaws. The screenplay is riddled with clichés and lacks originality. The first half is painfully slow, and the character development is shallow, making it hard to connect with the story or its characters. The dialogues are uninspiring, and the twists feel forced and predictable. The film struggles to balance its action and emotional elements, resulting in a disjointed narrative.

Analysis
Despite its promising premise, Kingston fails to deliver a compelling story or engaging characters. The film’s pacing issues, weak script, and lacklustre performances make it a tedious watch. While there are occasional glimpses of potential, they are overshadowed by the film’s overall mediocrity. It feels like a missed opportunity to create a gripping action thriller.

Verdict
Kingston is a disappointing effort that fails to live up to its hype. While it has a few decent moments, the film is bogged down by its weak screenplay, uneven pacing, and lack of depth. Unless you’re a die-hard fan of GV Prakash Kumar, this one is hard to recommend.

Rating: 2/5