Kanguva review: Suriya shines in a technically sound film sans a strong story

Suriya is back on the big screen with Kanguva, after more than two years. With the film being a period drama expectations have been high among movie buffs.

Matching the anticipation and budget, Suriya too had been promoting the film in various Indian cities and abroad.

Kanguva is a period drama, with the story progressing in two timelines— 2024 and 1070 AD.  The film is a visual spectacle with an outstanding Suriya.

But is the movie worth the hype? Well, let’s check that.

Also Read: ‘Kanguva’ to have special shows from 9 AM in Tamil Nadu

Synopsis

The opening scene is set in present times, and a boy escapes from a lab involved in unauthorised tests on humans.

This boy ends up meeting Francis (Suriya) who is a bounty hunter in Goa. Yogi Babu plays his assistant, while Disha Patani plays the role of his ex-girlfriend.

The first 30 minutes involve Yogi Babu and Redin Kingsley’s comic track. At the same time, Disha also gets to showcase her skills as she is involved in a street fight. As the story progresses, and Francis develops a bond with the boy, the movie moves to 1070 AD.

The audience is now shown the titular character Kanguva, also played by Suriya, who is a warrior and belongs to a clan which worships fire. Kanguva also known as Kanga is the protector of their clan and his mentor is the leader of their clan.

There are different clans in this time period. Another clan worship water and is headed by Bollywood actor Bobby Deol’s character. He is the antagonist in the film.

At the same time, a member of Kanguva’s clan betrays them and he is executed after being found guilty. But Kanguva has to protect his child Poruva against opposition from other members of the community.

The child and Kanguva too start forming a bond, drawing parallels to the present day. The movie then moves forward as the duo brave obstacles coming their way. Do they succeed against the attackers, what happens next, form the crux of the film.

Writing needs clarity

Though the movie opens in present times, the majority of the story takes place in 1070 AD. The fights, emotional dynamics, and conflicts happen in the past era. Maybe the sequel will have more happening in the present.

While the story taking place in past is not an issue, Kanguva lacking clarity in writing does put off the audience.

It takes some time for the audience to understand the connection between the present and past worlds. One of the well-executed storylines is the one of Kanguva and the Poruva.

The director also uses loud elements in the film to make it more dramatic.

Kanguva also has a cameo from a major Tamil actor, and he plays the antagonist.

Also Read: Suriya’s ‘Kanguva’ to have 4 AM shows in Telugu states, Karnataka and Kerala

Technically sound

Vetri Palanisami has hit it out of the park with his cinematography. Kanguva is a visual wonder with breathtaking fighting sequences from the past era. Not only the cinematography but also the art design by Milan works wonderfully for the film, especially the sea and ship.

The snow fight scenes involving women are some of the takeaways of Kanguva. 

Another major highlight of the movie is the music department handled by Devi Sri Prasad. The emotional “Mannipu” song has come out well along with the other songs that elevate the mass scenes in the movie.

Performances

Suriya is the star performer in Kanguva. The actor excelled well as Kanga and Francis in the movie.

While the present-day character Francis was a cakewalk for the actor, his portrayal of Kanga was what stole the show.

Kanga is a powerful warrior, who also values his relationships, and thinks from his heart. This will surely be a memorable performance in his career.

Disha Patani has comparatively fewer moments. Bobby Deol, whose performance was also highly anticipated, after Animal (2023), did well as the antagonist, but his character lacked depth.

The boy who plays a key role in the movie in both time periods deserves appreciation for making his character memorable.

Final take

Kanguva has an ambitious world set by its director Siva and Suriya delivers an impressive performance. The movie also has stunning visuals and is a technically sound film, but more focus on the story was needed.

(Views expressed here are personal, edited by Sumavarsha Kandula)