What’s it about?
The story alternates between two distinct timelines: 1070 and 2024. There exists a relationship between these two narratives despite a millennium of separation.
Francis (Suriya), a bounty hunter working for the police in Goa, finds an unusual connection to a young child in the present period. He is unwilling to abandon the child, despite their unfamiliarity, and he makes significant efforts to save him.
In 1070, on the island of Pranava Kona, the tribal warrior Kanguva (Suriya) pledges to a child’s mother to nurture and safeguard him, even in the face of mortal danger. Kanguva endeavors to save the child. What is the connection between this story and Francis’s connection with the young child?
Analysis
“Kanguva,” Suriya’s first theatrical release following a five-year gap, is a blend of fantasy and contemporary action drama. Director Siva, known for films like “Souryam” and “Viswasam,” has ventured into a new genre: a historical fantasy action drama. The concept of dual timelines and the interconnection between two different persons from disparate eras is familiar to Telugu audiences, as other blockbusters like “Magadheera” have explored this theme; nonetheless, “Kanguva” presents a novel backdrop including five distinct clans and their conflicts. Some of episodes of “Devara” have similar feel.
“Kanguva” is undoubtedly an ambitious endeavor. Director Siva and the producers aimed to delve into the realm of five islands and their conflicts with one another. They have devoted huge money, time, and effort to create a visually opulent film. The richness is visible everywhere.
But the writing is totally underwhelming. The film when begins in modern setting and Suriya’s bounty hunter avatar and the so-called comedy sequences involving Suriya, Yogi Babu, Redin and Disha Patani, are totally off-putting. Thankfully, this boring sequence ends quickly and we are introduced to Kanguva and his world.
The names of the various islands and the various characters are hard to grasp, but the action episodes in these parts are truly stunning. Three action episodes stand out. They are Suriya’s encounter with a crocodile, the archery battles involving snakes and scorpions, and the battle between a group of women and their rivals in the thick ice fog on an island.
Not only are these action episodes terrific, but the overall visual splendor is superb. But the film falters big time in convincing us of the main antagonist’s rivalry with Kanguva and their fight. The villain’s character lacks any strength. Furthermore, the action scene in which Suriya’s Francis character desperately clings to a plan reminiscent of Tom Cruise’s “Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation” stunt appears to be a complete failure.
The primary issue with the film is its excessive loudness. The dialogues, the performances of other actors, and the overall atmosphere are loud and garish, in addition to the insipid writing.
Suriya is terrific. In the role of Kanguva, he is mesmerising. He has put in lot of effort physically to portray this character and it is evidently visible on screen. It is one-man show. Karthi makes a cameo appearance. Bobby Deol doesn’t make much impact as a villain. Disha Patani is hardly visible in the overall film.
The picture excels technically, particularly in visuals, with exceptional cinematography and high-quality visual effects and production design. The backdrop score is okay.
Bottom line: “Kanguva” is an ambitious endeavor by Suriya and director Siva; yet, they do not entirely realize their objectives due to inadequate writing and an overly loud narrative. The film features opulent visuals and high production values, showcasing impressive images and Suriya’s commendable performance as Kanguva. But it doesn’t make much impact in the end.
Rating: 2.5/5
By: Jalapathy Gudelli
Film: Kankava
Cast: Suriya, Disha Patani, Bobby Deol, KS Ravikumar, Yogi Babu, and others
Writer: Adi Narayana
Music: Devi Sri Prasad
DOP: Vetri Palanisamy
Editor: Nishad Yusuf
Production Designer: Milan
Stunts: Supreme Sunda
Produced by: TG Gnanavel Raja, Vamsi, Pramod
Written and Directed by: Siva
Release Date: November 14, 2024
