Suriya’s latest release Kanguva, released on November 14 is nothing less than a visual spectacle for the audience. Here’s everything you you need to know about Suriya’s period drama.
South superstar Suriya’s much-anticipated period-action fantasy drama, Kanguva, is undoubtedly one of the biggest film releases of 2024. With extensive promotions across India and a buzz that’s been building for months, the hype surrounding this movie is nothing short of massive. But after all the excitement, the burning question remains: is Kanguva truly worth the hype? Let’s find out if Suriya’s latest film lives up to the expectations.
Kanguva transports viewers back to the year 1070, where we’re introduced to five distinct villages, each with its own unique culture, occupations, and way of life. These villages face a grave threat as foreign invaders arrive, determined to disrupt their peace and harmony. Amidst this turmoil, a hero emerges destined to fight for justice and protect the land. Under the direction of Siva, Kanguva is undoubtedly a visual spectacle, filled with breathtaking landscapes and epic battles. However, despite its grand visuals, the film struggles to fully captivate on the big screen leaving a sense of unrealised potential.
Kanguva plot
Right from the opening minutes, Kanguva introduces a striking and never-before-seen tribal clan, led by fierce men, setting the stage for a grand visual experience. The stunning visuals at the start immediately signal that director Siva’s vision is on point, immersing you in a world of intrigue and adventure.
The narrative then takes you on a time-bending journey, shifting between 1070 and the present day, weaving a complex tale that keeps you guessing. In 2024, we find ourselves in a high-tech scientific research lab where young children are being monitored and experimented on by a mysterious agency. Just as you start to settle into this plot twist, Siva brings in Francis (Suriya), a Goa-based bounty hunter with a complicated past. Francis, caught in a rivalry with his ex-girlfriend Angela (Disha Patani), soon encounters a young boy whose presence triggers vivid memories of their shared past life. The film then shifts back once again, taking us centuries into the past adding layers to a story that spans both time and space.
What works and what not?
Disha Patani makes a strong impression in her role, captivating audiences with her sheer glamour on-screen presence. Bobby Deol also delivers a powerful performance, bringing depth and intensity to his character, who serves as a worthy antagonist to Suriya’s Kanguva, as crafted by Siva. However, it is worth noting that Bobby Deol’s character had a power-packed performance, yet it seems that Bobby Deol’s character had more potential. Disha Patani no doubt, did justice to her role, playing Angela who was indeed an eye-catcher for the youths.
Suriya shines brilliantly in his dual role as Kanguva and Francis, delivering a standout performance. His portrayal of a warrior lord who gives his life to honour a promise to his clan is one of the film’s key highlights of the film. The second part of the film mostly revolves around Suirya and the kid who are the two most effective characters.
Kanguva offers a visually stunning experience, with epic action sequences and emotional depth that fans expect from a Suriya film. While the core of the movie is all about emotions. Siva’s cinematography overwhelms with high-octane drama which leaves the essence of emotional touch to the film.
Kanguva has some thrilling moments but doesn’t always hit the emotional mark. The action scenes are visually stunning and well-executed, yet they don’t connect deeply. For example, the sequence with snow-capped mountains, 15 women, and 25 attackers looks great on the script and is well done on screen, but it feels out of place. Despite solid VFX, these moments feel underwhelming because the story doesn’t fully support them.
Where did Kanguva lack?
Despite its stunning visuals and emotional moments, Kanguva falls short in some areas, making it feel underwhelming at times. The romance between Suriya and Disha Patani could have been stronger and this affects the film’s ability to live up to the hype.
Director Siva delivers some incredible action scenes especially the climax with a solid central theme. However, the pacing speed of Kanguva tries to show everything that affects the story. Siva misses the chance to make some scenes engaging and emotional which weakens the overall impact.
Verdict
Kanguva is a fantasy period thriller film with an emotional touch to it. The film features mind-boggling action scenes and emotional angles where you will almost break down. Suriya’s enthusiastic performance in Kanguva is the key highlight with many predictable scenes. Siva and the team together delivered a top-quality VFX. With its shortcomings, Kanguva is a highly entertaining film, worth watching on a big screen.
Rating: 3 stars