‘Some Roles Are Destiny’: Satya Dev Opens Up About Playing Shiva in ‘Kingdom’
August 4, 2025 Published by rajeshe092eb6a68
Starring Vijay Deverakonda in the lead, Gowtam Tinnanuri’s much-awaited gangster drama Kingdom has been making waves at the box office since its release on July 31. Featuring Satya Dev, Bhagyashree Borse, and Venkatesh in key roles, the film is produced under Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas, presented by Srikara Studios, with music by Anirudh Ravichander.
The film, which explores the emotional bond between two brothers against a gritty gangster backdrop, has been praised for its gripping narrative, powerful performances, and striking visuals.
One of the standout performances in Kingdom comes from Satya Dev, who plays the layered and emotionally intense character Shiva. Speaking to the media, Satya Dev shared his experience working on the film and reflected on the overwhelming response.
“I’ve never received this many calls and messages in my entire career. From the very first show, my phone hasn’t stopped ringing. When Gowtam narrated Shiva to me, I didn’t even think twice — I immediately said yes. And I’m thrilled to see how audiences are connecting with the film,” he said.
“Some Roles Are Simply Meant to Be”
Satya revealed that the character of Shiva was initially written with him in mind.
“Gowtam originally visualized me for Shiva, but due to delays, the team explored other options. Just days before the shoot, he approached me again and narrated the script. I was so moved, I instantly agreed. After I said yes, Gowtam told me, ‘I’m happy the actor I first imagined for Shiva is the one finally playing him.’ It felt like destiny. Some roles are simply meant to be.”
Action with Emotion
Speaking about the film’s action sequences, he emphasized their emotional depth:
“Action works only when it’s rooted in emotion — and that’s what Kingdom delivers. Every punch and blow carries emotional weight, which is why people are connecting with it so strongly.”
The actor also recalled the challenging jail confrontation scene and the physically demanding pre-climax sequences, calling them some of the toughest yet most rewarding moments of his career.
The Boat Sequence & Working with Vijay
Discussing the much-talked-about boat sequence, Satya admitted it wasn’t easy:
“I didn’t know how to drive a boat, and Vijay had to trust me to steer it through a strong current. Initially, it was terrifying — we even had a few near-misses. But with practice, I managed to pull it off.”
On working with Vijay Deverakonda, he shared,
“I hadn’t met Vijay before this film, but he felt like a younger brother on set. He’s a wonderful person and a fantastic actor who deeply understands the emotion behind every scene.”
On Co-stars & Production Team
Satya also praised newcomer Venkatesh for his impactful performance and expressed his admiration for producer Suryadevara Naga Vamsi:
“Vamsi garu is a gutsy producer. He believes in his stories and never compromises on quality. That’s why Sithara Entertainments has reached where it is today.”
What’s Next for Satya Dev?
The actor has an exciting lineup ahead. His series Arabian Kadali will stream on Amazon Prime from August 8, and his next film Full Bottle is ready for release. He is also working with Venkatesh Maha and Ajay Nag, along with two more unannounced projects.
As the success of Kingdom continues to grow, Satya Dev’s portrayal of Shiva stands as a career-defining performance — one that blends power, emotion, and authenticity.
