The much-anticipated fantasy action drama Kanguva, directed by Siva and starring Suriya, Bobby Deol, and Disha Patani, has finally hit theaters. The first-day reactions are pouring in, painting a varied picture of the film’s appeal. Fans have praised Suriya’s performance as “stellar” in his dual roles as Kanguva, a fierce warrior, and Francis, a contemporary character. However, viewers also point out that despite Suriya’s efforts, the film’s length, execution, and emotional disconnect make it “hard to sit through.”
Suriya’s Performance: A Highlight
Across social media, audiences have been lauding Suriya for his commitment and powerful screen presence. According to one fan, “Suriya shed his blood and sweat for this movie, and it’s clearly visible on screen.” Another viewer echoed this sentiment, highlighting specific moments, such as Suriya’s stylish entry, an emotional interval sequence, and intense action scenes. Viewers noted that these high points effectively showcased Suriya’s dedication and skill.
Fans also applauded the film’s visuals and VFX, especially in larger-than-life sequences like a crocodile battle that stood out as a fan-favorite scene. One viewer praised the cinematography and costume design, calling them “impressive,” and revealed that the film includes a surprise cameo that left fans “mind-blown.”
Mixed Reactions to Film Execution
While Suriya’s performance is widely appreciated, many fans felt that the film fell short in other areas. The narrative, particularly the “Francis” portions, received criticism for being lackluster. One fan commented, “The story should have been more supportive for Suriya’s effort. The ‘Francis’ portions and related comedy were horrendous.” Another viewer pointed out that the movie’s length and screenplay made it feel “very tiring towards the end.”
The director Siva’s handling of the script and pacing also came under scrutiny, with fans noting that the screenplay initially held together in the first half but lost its grip in the second. “The emotional connectivity needed for a film like this is completely missing,” one review stated. Others mentioned that while the film’s grand visuals made an impact, excessive smoke effects were used to cover up weaker CGI, adding an overwhelming visual element that detracted from the overall experience.
Loudness and Missed Opportunities
Several fans mentioned that characters’ dialogue delivery was excessively loud, with nearly all actors “shouting in high pitch,” which became challenging to sit through. A viewer expressed disappointment, commenting, “Perfect example of why good content is needed, not just visuals.” While the story’s reincarnation angle and the idea of a warrior from the past had potential, many felt that poor execution and loud background music by DSP diminished the impact.
A Tale of Reincarnation
Kanguva explores a tale of reincarnation, with Suriya portraying both a historical warrior and a modern-day man, Francis. Disha Patani stars as the love interest, and Bobby Deol also takes on a role in the historical segments. According to fans, the film revolves around a child central to the storyline. Despite mixed reactions, audiences were intrigued by the film’s post-credit scene, which some believe salvaged the movie’s impact to an extent.
Final Verdict
Kanguva has opened to a mixed reception, with fans appreciating Suriya’s dedication but calling out weaknesses in the storyline and overall execution. As screenings continue throughout the day, the film’s final reception will unfold. For now, Kanguva remains a visually appealing but narratively divisive film, held together largely by Suriya’s “stellar” dual-role performance.
Sources By Agencies
