Movie Name : Kingston
Release Date : March 07, 2025
Cast : G. V. Prakash Kumar, Divyabharathi, Azhagam Perumal, Chetan, Elango Kumaravel, Antony, Ram Nishanth, Rajesh Balachandiran, Sabumon Abdusamad etc.
Director : Kamal Prakash
Music Director : G. V. Prakash Kumar
Telugumopo.com Rating : 2.25/5
Story:
In 1982, a coastal village is gripped by fear after its residents brutally kill Bosayya (Azhagam Perumal) and bury him. But when his vengeful spirit starts haunting them, the terrified villagers dispose of his body in the ocean. However, the horror doesn’t end—anyone who ventures into the sea never returns alive. Fearing the unknown, they abandon fishing, their primary livelihood, and seal off access to the ocean.
With no other options, the villagers migrate to a new coastal city, where they begin working under a ruthless gangster, Thomas (Sabumon Abdusamad). Fast forward to 2025, Kingston (G.V. Prakash Kumar) works for Thomas, smuggling goods across the Sri Lankan border alongside his friends.
One day, a naval attack on their boat results in the tragic death of a young boy. Shocked and furious, Kingston realizes they have been unknowingly helping Thomas smuggle drugs. Determined to break free, he revolts, declaring that his people will never work for Thomas again.
Hoping to reclaim their lives, Kingston and his friends decide to challenge the superstitions surrounding their abandoned village. Believing that the tales of spirits and curses are mere myths, they set sail into the forbidden waters—this time with Thomas and Kingston’s girlfriend, Rose (Divya Bharathi), on board.
But as they enter the long-feared ocean, strange and terrifying events unfold. What really happened to those who ventured into the waters? Is Bosayya’s spirit still lurking beneath the waves? Why was he killed, and what secrets does the ocean hold? Most importantly, will Kingston and his friends make it back alive?
As they dive deeper into the mystery, they uncover shocking truths that will change everything.
Review:
G.V. Prakash Kumar takes the role of a smuggler easily, infusing his character with effortless swagger and rough-around-the-edges charm. His dialogue delivery, facial expressions, and body language contribute to the credibility of the character, and he is a gem of the movie. Divyabharathi is beautiful on screen and serves her supporting role well. The supporting cast of Azhagam Perumal, Chetan, Elango Kumaravel, Antony, Ram Nishanth, Rajesh Balachandiran, and Sabumon Abdusamad give satisfactory performances, making the narrative interesting at some points.
Director Kamal Prakash tries a different route with Kingston, trying to create an action-packed sea thriller with horror elements. But the film falters due to a lackluster screenplay and poor execution. The first half generates curiosity with suspenseful scenes, haunting flashbacks, and judiciously used sound effects that create a foreboding atmosphere. The dull pace and unnecessary meandering dilute the momentum despite some thrilling sequences. Pre-interval scenes are exciting, but the actual story gains momentum only in the second half.
The latter half incorporates elements of horror and zombies, incorporating elements of thrill and comedy. Yet, due to the slow pace and failure to develop emotional depth, the effect is reduced. The excessive subplot and constant flashbacks serve to produce confusion instead of enriching the plot. Although there are some new ideas incorporated in the film, the poor execution fails to reach the movie’s potential.
Technically, the background score of G.V. Prakash Kumar makes the vital points more intensified, though overall the soundtrack is ordinary. Cinematography is visually appealing, while VFX and CGI contribute to making the atmosphere of the film richer and generating some show-stopping visuals. Production values are also high, giving Kingston a very highly polished appearance.
Overall, Kingston was a promising sea adventure movie but falls short in its poor script, unnecessary flashbacks, and lackluster pacing. While G.V. Prakash Kumar is okay with his performance and there are some powerful scenes, the movie fails to hook the viewer’s attention and does not leave an indelible mark.
