Kingdom Villain Steals the Show!

Some actors win fans with their performance. But Venkitesh VP, a relatively unknown face from Malayalam cinema, built a fanbase in Telugu even before his debut film released, and all it took was one electrifying speech.

Venkitesh isn’t even a major name in Malayalam. He has only done four or five small films so far. Just as he was finding his feet in that industry, he landed a golden opportunity to play the main villain in the much-hyped Telugu film Kingdom. And he made sure to grab the chance with both hands.

Even before the film hit theatres, his performance had already impressed the team. None other than Vijay Deverakonda, the film’s lead, posted online praising Venkitesh’s acting. But it was the pre-release event where Venkitesh truly turned heads. His ten-minute speech, filled with energy and confidence, instantly won hearts. He asked the audience to clap during his entry scene in the movie and show their support, a bold request from a newcomer, but one that paid off big time.

When Kingdom finally released on Thursday, audiences responded just the way he hoped. His entry in the film got whistles, cheers, and huge applause, much like a star hero’s. In a few intense scenes, especially a major one in the second half, Venkitesh’s performance stunned everyone. He didn’t just act, he expressed with his eyes, delivered with subtlety, and owned the screen.

Many viewers felt his role deserved even more screen time and hoped he would return in a sequel if there is one.

Now, people understand why he was so fired up during the pre-release speech. He had something to prove, and he absolutely delivered. With this breakout role, it’s clear Venkitesh has opened the door to many more opportunities in Telugu cinema.