Kingston - Ambitious but Unimpressive

 

Movie: Kingston
Rating:2.25/5

Cast: G V Prakash, Divya Bharathi, Chetan, Azhagam Perumaal, Elango Kumaravel, Sabumon Abdusamad, and Others

Director: Kamal Prakash

Produced By: G V Prakash Kumar and Umesh K R Bansal

Release Date: March 7, 2025

Story:

A reckless smuggler from a cursed seaside village ignores warnings and ventures into dangerous waters with his friends, where ancient terrors lie.

Performances:

G.V. Prakash delivers a decent performance, convincingly evolving from a carefree smuggler to a determined hero. Other actors, including Divya Bharathi, could shine only in a few scenes because of weak characterization.

What worked for the film:

The initial sequences of the film work well and provide the required intrigue. The portions before the interval are also good, though not great. A crucial twist in the second half is placed well. The sound design and visuals impress in some scenes.

What did not work for the film:

The buildup about the spirit/supernatural power is solid but when it enters the stage, brings the routine setup of skeletal spirits and ghastly figures emerging from misty waters. Their threat disappoints as it turns out to be flimsy. Though the initial scary effects in the latter half are fascinating, the following moments fail to impress because of weak handling.

Also, though there is an intriguing link/backstory to the crucial characters, the excessive usage of back and forth narration made it too convoluted.

Kingston Review and Verdict: 

Kamal Prakash's Kingston is a lackluster sea adventure thriller that misses the interesting narrative. GV Prakash Kumar tries hard, but the film suffers because of uninteresting proceedings. Except for a few scenes near the interval and one good episode in the second half, the film offers little excitement, resulting in a poor impact.