Film enthusiasts looking for an epic story may be drawn to the grandeur of Suriya’s latest release, Kanguva. Director Siva has crafted an ambitious film set across two time periods, weaving elements of history, fantasy, and drama. Although Suriya’s acting holds strong, the overall script and narrative structure struggle to meet expectations, especially compared to hits like Baahubali.
Plot Outline: A Tale of Two Worlds
The film’s story takes place in two distinct eras: the year 1070 and the present day. In ancient times, Prince Kanguva (Suriya), a noble warrior of the Perumachi clan, finds himself in a moral conflict. He vows to protect Purva, the son of his sworn enemy, staying true to his promise made to the boy’s mother. Kanguva’s loyalty and bravery set the foundation for his journey.
Fast forward to 2024, and we meet Francis (also played by Suriya), a modern bounty hunter with a complex past. Like Kanguva, Francis is dedicated to protecting those around him, despite his rough exterior. Together with his friend Colt (played by Yogi Babu), he earns a living by apprehending criminals. His life takes a dramatic turn when he encounters Zeta, a young boy hunted by a powerful Russian mafia. Zeta’s mysterious powers make him a target, and despite his initial reluctance, Francis becomes determined to protect him. The connection between Francis, Zeta, and Kanguva is the core of the story, and it gradually unfolds, intertwining their fates.
Execution and Storytelling: Missed Opportunities
While the premise sounds promising, Kanguva falls short of delivering a cohesive narrative. Director Siva, who also wrote the screenplay, set out to give Tamil cinema its own epic tale, but the story’s momentum lags soon after the interval. The film alternates between time periods, but this approach, rather than adding depth, ends up creating confusion. By the climax, attempts to introduce plot twists and surprises don’t manage to save the disjointed storyline.
The screenplay’s uneven pacing makes this two-and-a-half-hour film feel longer than it should. Extended scenes and unexplained plot points leave the audience grappling with unanswered questions even after leaving the theatre. A tighter script and a 30-minute cut on the editing table could have improved the film’s impact.
Visuals and Music: Mixed Results
Despite being presented in 3D, Kanguva’s VFX and visual presentation don’t leave a lasting impression. Cinematography deserves mention, with a few beautifully shot sequences, but the 3D effects feel underwhelming for a film of this scale. The movie’s Hindi-dubbed version suffers from an unremarkable musical score, which further dilutes the emotional appeal of key scenes.
Cast Performance: Suriya’s Double Duty Steals the Show
Suriya shines as both Kanguva and Francis, showcasing his versatility by embodying a courageous ancient warrior and a hardened modern-day bounty hunter. His dedicated performance is a highlight of the film, bringing both strength and vulnerability to his roles. Suriya’s commitment to these characters almost single-handedly carries the film through its weak storyline.
Bobby Deol, who takes on the role of the main villain, unfortunately, lacks the impact expected from such a character. His portrayal doesn’t quite instill the fear or intensity one might hope for in a high-stakes story, leaving his character feeling flat.
Disha Patani, who plays Angela, appears only sporadically and has limited screen presence. Her character doesn’t get enough development to leave a lasting mark. Comedian Yogi Babu brings a light-hearted touch as Francis’ friend Colt, while Karthikeyan’s cameo adds a brief, yet commendable, performance.
Comparison with Baahubali: An Ambitious, Yet Unfulfilled Dream
Kanguva was clearly envisioned as a Tamil answer to Baahubali, with its blend of historical grandeur and modern action sequences. However, it falls short of achieving the same iconic status, primarily due to weak storytelling and character development. While Baahubali captivated audiences with a tightly woven plot and unforgettable characters, Kanguva’s complexity ends up feeling more like a distraction than a compelling narrative device.
What Makes Kanguva Worth a Watch?
For ardent fans of Suriya, Kanguva still holds appeal, thanks to his stellar performances in two distinct roles. The dual timelines and historical elements create an intriguing setup, but ultimately the lack of a cohesive script dampens the experience.
