“Kingdom’s Strength Lies in Its Heart” – Gowtam Tinnanuri Reflects on His Latest Hit
Director Gowtam Tinnanuri opens up about the success of Kingdom, the casting decisions, and what’s coming next.
Released on July 31, Kingdom—starring Vijay Deverakonda and helmed by Gowtam Tinnanuri—has emerged as a powerful cinematic success. Backed by Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas, and presented by Srikara Studios, the film also features Satyadev, Bhagyashree Borse, and newcomer Venkatesh in pivotal roles. With music by Anirudh Ravichander, the film combines striking visuals with a strong emotional backbone.
In a candid conversation, director Gowtam Tinnanuri shared insights on the film’s journey—from concept to release—and the creative decisions that shaped Kingdom.
Sleepless Nights Before, Peaceful Sleep After
Recalling the days leading up to the release, Gowtam said, “We were working till the very last moment, barely sleeping. But the way audiences embraced the film gave me the kind of peace that only comes from knowing your effort was worth it.”
The Story Behind the Title: Kingdom
When asked about the title, Gowtam revealed, “I usually come up with titles while writing. For Jersey, we initially called it ‘36.’ For this, we thought of naming it after the protagonist, Devara Nayak. But since NTR’s Devara was already announced, we looked at other options—like Yuddhakanda. Eventually, we felt ‘Kingdom’ had a universal resonance. To me, a kingdom is not about territory—it’s where your people are, where you feel at home.”
“Hridayam Lopala” – Why the Song Was Cut
The removal of the beloved track “Hridayam Lopala” surprised many fans. Gowtam explained, “During scripting, the song made perfect sense. But in the final edit, it broke the narrative rhythm. After a long discussion between me, editor Naveen Nooli, producer Naga Vamsi, and Vijay, we removed it. We’re now thinking of including it in the OTT version, along with a few bonus scenes.”
Vijay Deverakonda Wasn’t the Initial Plan—But Became the Perfect Fit
“This idea lived in my head for years,” Gowtam said. “Initially, I had a different script planned for Vijay. But once we started discussing, I realized Kingdom was a better match for his persona. When I narrated it, he instantly connected with it.”
From Emotional Dramas to Action—with Emotion
Known for emotionally rich films like Malli Raava and Jersey, Gowtam took a different path with Kingdom—a gritty action drama.
“To me, genre is secondary. What matters is emotional depth. Even in Kingdom, action is a layer—underneath, it’s about relationships, loyalty, and sacrifice. That’s what connects with the audience.”
Introducing New Talent: Why Venkatesh Was Chosen
The film introduces Venkatesh as Murugan, a key character. “Vijay’s character enters a new world, so we wanted a fresh face for authenticity. One of our assistants suggested Venkatesh. His audition showed pure passion—we were sold immediately.”
Satyadev Was Always the First Choice
Gowtam confirmed that Satyadev was his first pick for Shiva, though scheduling initially made things tricky. “Once our dates aligned, he heard the narration and agreed immediately. His presence added great weight to the story.”
What’s Magic Got to Do With It?
During delays in Kingdom’s production, Gowtam collaborated with producer Vamsi to create a music-based film titled Magic. “It was born from our shared love for music. Anirudh’s score and Girish Gangadharan’s cinematography are the film’s biggest strengths.”
What’s Next: Kingdom Part 2 and an OTT Prequel
A sequel to Kingdom is already on the cards. “We’ve locked the core idea for Part 2. Script work starts soon,” Gowtam confirmed. Meanwhile, fans can look forward to a web film centered on the characters Murugan and Sethu, which will serve as a spin-off.
Reflecting on an 8-Year Journey
“It’s been a meaningful ride, but I do wish I had made more films,” Gowtam admitted. “COVID slowed things down, and some stories just take more time. But going forward, I hope to keep a faster pace.”
With Kingdom striking gold both critically and commercially, Gowtam Tinnanuri proves once again that whether it’s a sports drama or a gangster epic, his storytelling always leads with the heart.
