Siva’s fantasy action drama Kanguva, starring Suriya in a dual role alongside Bobby Deol and Disha Patani, has made waves with its impressive visual effects and Suriya's powerful screen presence. However, despite the strengths in its production design, the film's execution and screenplay leave much to be desired.
Storyline & Concept
Kanguva explores the mystical themes of reincarnation and destiny. The plot oscillates between a historical era where Suriya plays Kanguva, a fierce warrior, and the present day, where he takes on the role of Francis, a man with a mysterious connection to his past life. Bobby Deol stars as Kanguva’s antagonist in the historical setting, and Disha Patani plays a significant role in the present-day storyline, with hints of romance. The film's premise—a warrior’s resurrection and the fulfillment of a prophecy—holds potential, but the narrative's complexity and pacing make it difficult for audiences to stay engaged.
Performances
Suriya’s portrayal of both Kanguva and Francis is undoubtedly the highlight of the film. His commitment to each role, particularly the intensity he brings to Kanguva, keeps audiences invested. As Kanguva, he embodies a rugged warrior spirit, commanding attention in every scene with raw emotion and physical prowess. In the role of Francis, he tones down the bravado, aiming for a grounded portrayal, although the character’s development could have been better explored. Bobby Deol, in his role as the villain, brings an intimidating screen presence but is somewhat underutilized, as his character lacks depth.
Disha Patani’s role, while pivotal, doesn’t offer much room for performance beyond the romantic angle. Fans might find her screen time limited and her character’s impact relatively minor. However, she complements Suriya well in their shared scenes, adding a touch of charm to the storyline.
Visuals & Technical Aspects
The visuals in Kanguva are stunning, with a grand display of VFX that enhances the film’s mythical ambiance. From sweeping landscapes to the elaborate war sequences, the film’s aesthetics are on par with high-budget productions. The standout “crocodile scene,” as highlighted by fans, adds a thrilling dimension to the action choreography, showcasing the VFX team’s capabilities.
The film’s costume design and cinematography add to its period authenticity, with ornate costumes that reflect the historic setting. However, some viewers have noted an excessive use of smoke effects throughout, which at times seems to serve as a cover-up for less-polished CGI. Although it adds to the dark, mythical atmosphere, it can also feel visually overwhelming.
Music & Background Score
While Devi Sri Prasad’s (DSP) background score aims to heighten the epic scale of the film, it has received mixed reviews. Some fans find the music loud and overpowering, especially during intense scenes. Though the soundtrack includes a few captivating moments that add grandeur, the repetitive and high-pitched tones may fatigue viewers, particularly as the film progresses into its second half.
Screenplay & Direction
Director Siva’s ambitious vision is evident, yet the screenplay lacks the finesse needed to tie together the reincarnation storyline and the fantasy elements cohesively. The first half introduces characters and sets the stage well, keeping audiences engaged with stylish entrances, action-packed sequences, and a glimpse into Kanguva’s valorous past. However, as the film progresses, the screenplay becomes cluttered, with pacing issues that detract from the emotional depth. The transitions between the two timelines could have been smoother, and the present-day comedy elements, especially those involving Francis, fail to land effectively, diluting the intensity of the historical narrative.
The emotional connection, crucial for a reincarnation saga, is weak in Kanguva. Moments that should have resonated emotionally fall flat, as the film fails to delve into the psychological aspects of the dual characters. Fans have pointed out that the second half feels stretched and repetitive, leading to a lackluster climax that misses the mark.
Final Verdict
Kanguva shines with Suriya’s stellar performance and impressive visual effects but falters in execution. Despite Suriya’s efforts to elevate the material, the screenplay’s inconsistency and lack of emotional depth make it difficult for audiences to stay invested. While fans of Suriya may enjoy his powerful presence in dual roles, the film as a whole may leave viewers wanting more in terms of storytelling and coherence. The historical elements are exciting, but the present-day scenes and comedic undertones detract from the overall impact.
Overall, Kanguva is worth a watch for Suriya's performance and the visual grandeur, but don't expect a tightly woven storyline. For those who enjoy fantasy dramas with a mythical undertone, this film may offer some entertainment, but others may find it a challenging watch due to its length and uneven narrative.