Suriya's latest, 'Kanguva', takes viewers across two distinct timelines—2024 and 1070. In the present, Suriya's Francis, a bounty hunter, whose life takes a strange turn when he meets a young boy and senses a deep, almost otherworldly connection. In 1070, he's Kanga aka Kanguva, a fierce protector willing to risk everything for his people. The mystery of how these two lives intersect gives 'Kanguva' its premise, but despite Suriya's intense performance, the film struggles with uninspired writing that misses the mark. Siva's direction has strong points, yet the lacklustre writing prevents the story from making the impact fans might have hoped for.
The film's opening lacks impact, with the present-day storyline feeling loosely written and formulaic, as though Siva leaned heavily on the usual mass-market ingredients: a glam-focused heroine (Disha Patani), Yogi Babu for comic relief, and familiar Tamil cinema tropes. It shifts between the two timelines, but once the dots connect, the plot feels disappointingly thin, especially for a film showcasing Suriya putting his all into his role. Despite his commitment, there's little that truly stands out or feels inspired.
The powerful background score and Suriya's electrifying performance stand out in the film. The visuals and cinematography are equally impressive, bringing out the beauty of the village, the unity of its people, and the intensity of the battle scenes with remarkable clarity. Full credit goes to cinematographer Vetri, art director Milan, and composer Devi Sri Prasad for effectively capturing this grandeur. While the storyline set in 1070 feels more convincing, it still lacks a sense of awe. The character of Kanguva resonates more deeply than Francis, whose role offers little depth or connection.
Some scenes have undeniable screen presence, creating a pulse-pounding experience, like Suriya's fight with a CGI alligator. This scene aims to showcase Kanguva's physical power and combat skills, but it doesn't land as brilliantly as intended. By the time it appears, his strength and prowess as a warrior are already well-established, making the scene feel somewhat out of place within the story's flow.
For Suriya, who has already explored similar themes in '7 Aum Arivu', 'Kanguva' feels somewhat redundant, treading familiar ground. The film falls into the same formula as movies like 'Magadheera', 'Arundhati', and the recent Malayalam release 'ARM'. As for Bobby Deol, his recent villain roles have made him a sought-after antagonist in Indian cinema, and his role here came with considerable anticipation. However, his character turns out to be a cliched, substance-free clan leader, lacking depth; a missed opportunity, ultimately undermined by weak writing.
'Kanguva' lacks the emotional depth it needs despite the potential in the relationship between Suriya and the young boy. The past storyline has a Roman Empire-esque feel, enhanced by the yellow-orange tint, but this visual style doesn't add much to the story. Despite having so much to offer, much of Suriya's talent feels unnecessary for the story being told. 'Kanguva' ultimately becomes a missed opportunity for Suriya, as the film doesn't give him the platform he deserves. For dedicated fans, there is satisfaction in seeing Suriya return to the big screen after a two-year hiatus; however, the film offers hardly anything beyond a visual spectacle.
