“I’ve never received this much recognition before – KINGDOM changed that” says Satya Dev

Starring Vijay Deverakonda in the lead, Kingdom is directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri and features Satya Dev, Bhagyashree Borse, and Venkatesh in pivotal roles. Produced under the banners of Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas, and presented by Srikara Studios, the film is bankrolled by Suryadevara Naga Vamsi and Sai Soujanya, with music composed by Anirudh Ravichander.

Released on July 31, Kingdom has been receiving a phenomenal response at the box office, both critically and commercially. A gangster drama woven around the emotional bond between brothers, the film is being praised for its gripping storytelling, rich visuals, and high emotional connect.

As audience appreciation continues to pour in, actor Satya Dev, who played the powerful role of “Shiva,” spoke to the media and shared some insightful moments about his journey with the film.

How has the response been to your role as Shiva in Kingdom?

“I’ve never received this many calls and messages in my entire career. From the first show itself, the phone hasn’t stopped ringing with congratulatory messages. When Gowtam narrated the story, I didn’t even think twice — I immediately said yes. I loved it that much. And I’m thrilled to see how audiences are connecting with the film.”

“My earlier film Bluff Master earned me recognition, but it took time to reach the masses. In contrast, thanks to the scale of Kingdom and Vijay’s massive fan following, the response this time was immediate and overwhelming. I’m truly happy.”

How did the role come to you?

“Interestingly, Gowtam originally wrote the Shiva character with me in mind. But due to some delays, the team explored other actors. Just a few days before shoot began, Gowtam met me and narrated the script. I was so moved, I instantly agreed.”

“After I said yes, Gowtam told me, ‘I’m happy that the actor I first visualized for Shiva is the one finally playing him.’ It felt like destiny. Just like they say our names are written on every grain of rice, I believe some roles are simply meant to be.”

Your action scenes are being widely appreciated. Thoughts?

“I truly believe that action scenes connect only when they’re rooted in strong emotion. That’s exactly what Kingdom delivers. Every punch, every blow carries weight because of the emotional intensity behind it — and I think that’s why people are responding so positively.”

What was the most challenging scene for you?

“There’s a scene in jail where my character speaks to his younger brother after discovering the truth. Even though Shiva deeply loves him, he doesn’t fully express it — fearing the brother might choose to stay with him. That inner conflict, written so beautifully by Gowtam, makes the drama powerful.”

“On a physical level, the pre-climax episode was the most demanding. But seeing how well audiences have responded, it was all worth it.”

Tell us about the much-talked-about boat sequence.

“That was a tough one! I didn’t know how to drive a boat. But Vijay had to sit in the boat, trusting me to steer through a strong current. At first, it was terrifying — when I steered right, it went left and vice versa.”

“We even had a couple of near-misses — once we hit tree branches, another time we almost crashed. After a lot of practice, I managed to handle it safely for the shoot.”

Your thoughts on Venkatesh, who played Murugan?

“Just like Vijay and I earned praise, Venkatesh too received immense recognition. He performed exceptionally well. Even during filming, we could tell he was delivering something special. Now audiences are saying the same. It’s not easy for a newcomer to make such an impact.”

How was it working with Vijay Deverakonda?

“I hadn’t met Vijay before this film. But once we connected, it was evident he’s a wonderful human being. We built a great rapport in no time — he truly felt like a younger brother.”

“Vijay is also a fantastic actor. He understands the emotion behind every line and brings depth to his performance. He really surprised me with his craft.”

Your experience with producer Suryadevara Naga Vamsi?

“Vamsi garu is a gutsy producer. When he believes in a story, he commits fully. He doesn’t compromise on anything. It’s because of his vision that Sithara Entertainments has grown into such a massive production house. I have a lot of respect for him.”

Why do you think your character Shiva received so much love?

“Good acting alone doesn’t guarantee recognition. It’s about how well a character is written. Shiva was brilliantly crafted by Gowtam — full of layers and emotional complexity. The audience connected with that deeply. The writing elevated the performance.”

What’s the best compliment you received for this film?

“There have been many. But what really moved me was receiving calls from fellow actors and film industry veterans who took the time to personally appreciate my work.”

Upcoming projects?

“I’ve done a series titled Arabian Kadali that will start streaming on Amazon Prime from August 8. My next film Full Bottle is ready for release. I’m also working on a project with director Venkatesh Maha, and another with Arambham director Ajay Nag. Alongside these, I’ve got two more exciting films in the pipeline.”