After weeks of anticipation, Vijay Deverakonda’s much-hyped spy thriller Kingdom finally premiered on OTT platforms. The film, which hit theatres on July 31, 2025, made its digital debut on August 27, 2025, streaming on Netflix in multiple languages including Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and a dubbed Hindi version titled Saamrajya.
While the digital release was expected to bring joy to fans who either missed the theatrical run or wanted to rewatch the movie, the excitement quickly turned into disappointment. The OTT version is not the same as the theatrical one—it comes with significant edits that have left audiences frustrated.
What’s Missing in the OTT Release
The Romantic Song “Hridayam Lopala”
The biggest shock for fans was the absence of the much-loved romantic number “Hridayam Lopala.” The song, which became popular during the promotional phase, was completely removed from the Netflix version. Audiences who adored Vijay Deverakonda’s chemistry in the sequence were left confused and upset.
Producers later explained that while the song was beautiful, it disrupted the film’s intensity during its climax. According to them, adding it would have diluted the serious mood in the final moments of the movie. However, for fans who had emotionally connected with the track, its removal felt like a betrayal.
The Carnival Fight Sequence
Another major highlight missing from the OTT cut is the carnival fight sequence. This visually striking action scene was one of the film’s most talked-about moments in theatres. Its deletion in the streaming version has sparked widespread criticism, with many arguing that it stripped away some of the movie’s cinematic appeal.
Why Were These Cuts Made?
The filmmakers defended their decision by stating that the cuts were made to improve the film’s narrative flow and pacing. They explained that the OTT audience tends to prefer shorter, sharper storytelling compared to theatre-goers. By trimming certain sequences, the creators wanted to make the digital experience more gripping.
However, fans argue that these changes compromise the emotional depth and entertainment factor of the film. They believe the original version should have been preserved for streaming, even if that meant a slightly longer runtime.
Fan Reactions on Social Media
The disappointment among Vijay Deverakonda’s fan base was immediate and widespread. Social media platforms were filled with comments such as:
- “Why remove the very song that defined the romance in the movie?”
- “The carnival fight was visually stunning. Cutting it makes no sense.”
- “If I wanted a shorter version, I’d watch highlights. Give us the full film.”
Many fans expressed that they were hoping the OTT release would include additional deleted scenes or extended versions to add more context to the story. Instead, they got a shortened cut, leaving them unsatisfied.
Theatrical Journey of Kingdom
Before diving further into the OTT controversy, it’s worth remembering Kingdom’s theatrical journey.
- The film was released in theatres worldwide on July 31, 2025.
- It was marketed as a big-budget spy thriller blending high-octane action with emotional drama.
- Reviews were mixed: while Deverakonda’s performance was praised, some critics noted a rushed screenplay in the second half.
- At the box office, the film grossed around ₹80–82 crore worldwide, falling short of its ₹130 crore budget.
Despite underperforming commercially, Kingdom managed to build a strong fan following, especially because of its music and action sequences—the very elements cut from the OTT release.
OTT Release: Expectations vs. Reality
Fans had high expectations from the OTT launch. Many believed the Netflix release would either:
- Retain the full theatrical cut so those who missed it could enjoy the complete experience, or
- Offer a director’s cut or extended version with added deleted scenes.
Instead, what they received was a trimmed-down film that lacked two of its most iconic elements. This mismatch between expectation and reality is what fueled the backlash.
The Broader Issue: OTT vs. Theatrical Versions
The controversy around Kingdom raises an important question: should OTT platforms showcase the same version as theatres or offer an edited one tailored for streaming?
- For filmmakers, shorter versions may ensure better pacing for digital audiences.
- For fans, editing out key sequences feels like losing a part of the cinematic magic they paid to see.
This dilemma reflects a growing debate in the film industry, where streaming has become just as important as theatrical releases.
What Could Have Been Done Differently
The makers of Kingdom had several options that could have minimized the backlash:
- Offer Two Versions: Provide both the theatrical and the OTT cut so viewers can choose.
- Add Bonus Features: Include the deleted song and fight sequence as special features on Netflix.
- Transparent Communication: Announce ahead of time that some parts were removed, rather than letting fans discover it on their own.
By adopting these strategies, the filmmakers could have balanced narrative pacing with fan satisfaction.
Future of the Franchise
Interestingly, despite the criticism, Kingdom is not the end of the road. Reports confirm that a sequel is already in the works. Vijay Deverakonda and the action team have hinted at making the next installment “even more intense.”
This means the disappointment surrounding the OTT release may eventually be overshadowed if the sequel delivers bigger action, better pacing, and stronger storytelling.
Pros and Cons of the OTT Cut
Pros:
- Tighter pacing for viewers who prefer shorter films
- Maintains narrative intensity during the climax
- Still retains Vijay Deverakonda’s central performance and emotional core
Cons:
- Loss of fan-favorite song and fight sequence
- Reduced emotional depth in the romantic subplot
- Fans feel shortchanged compared to the theatrical version
Conclusion
The OTT release of Kingdom was supposed to be a celebration—a chance for Vijay Deverakonda fans to relive the thrills of the big screen or experience the film for the first time. Instead, the edited version has sparked disappointment, with many feeling deprived of the full cinematic journey.
While the filmmakers defend their choice as a matter of pacing and narrative clarity, fans argue that theatrical magic should never be compromised for digital convenience. As the industry continues to balance between theatres and streaming, Kingdom stands as a reminder that fan expectations are as important as storytelling efficiency.
With a sequel in the pipeline, the hope is that lessons are learned and future releases give audiences the complete experience they crave—without trimming away the very moments that make films memorable.
