KANGUVA MOVIE REVIEW
Cast: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Natarajan Subramaniam, K. S. Ravikumar, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley, Anandaraj, Karthi
Director: Siruthai Siva
Kanguva, the ambitious fantasy epic starring Suriya in a dual role, crumbles under the weight of its own grandeur. It takes place in both 2024 and 1070 AD, and it tries to connect reincarnation, destiny, and warring tribes, but it just doesn’t work well.
Francis Theodore is a Goa-based bounty hunter who works alongside his ex-girlfriend Angela (Disha Patani) and a comedic sidekick (Yogi Babu). His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters a mysterious boy who has escaped from a Russian biomedical laboratory. This meeting triggers a deep, inexplicable connection that leads Francis to discover his past life as Kanguva, a powerful tribal warrior who led the fire-worshipping Perumaachi people against Roman invaders and a rival chieftain named Udhiran (Bobby Deol) in 1070 AD. The core emotional thread of the narrative revolves around Kanguva’s relationship with a young boy in the past, which mysteriously echoes into the present timeline.
Even though the story is interesting, the first part is really strange. It’s got jokes that are out of date and acting that’s way too much. The film finds its footing somewhat when it transitions to the period setting, where Suriya shines as the tribal leader Kanguva. The actor brings remarkable intensity and physical commitment to this role, creating a stark contrast with his contemporary character. The production values are undeniably impressive, with stunning cinematography by Vetri Palanisamy and detailed costume design that brings the ancient world to life.
However, director Siva’s convoluted screenplay fails to create meaningful emotional connections between characters, particularly in the crucial relationship between Kanguva and a young boy that’s meant to drive the narrative. Bobby Deol, despite his menacing appearance as the antagonist, is given little to work with, while Disha Patani’s role remains forgettable.
The film’s technical achievements, including some innovative action sequences and grand battle scenes, are often overshadowed by inconsistent writing and excessive volume. At 2 hours and 34 minutes, the narrative becomes repetitive and loses steam, particularly in its final act.
While Kanguva aspires to join the ranks of epic Indian blockbusters like Baahubali, it remains an ambitious misfire that proves technical excellence alone cannot salvage a weak script. The film serves as a reminder that even the most visually spectacular productions need a strong emotional core to truly resonate with audiences.