Review: Suriya's powerhouse act in dual roles anchors 'Kanguva'

Kanguva opens with Francis Theodore (Suriya), a charismatic bounty hunter whose high-stakes world is interrupted by a chance meeting with a young boy. This encounter triggers memories of another life, one where he was Kanguva, a revered warrior and protector of the Perumachi tribe in 1070. The story then oscillates between Francis’ life in 2024 and Kanguva’s struggles to keep his clan safe from invaders, notably the ruthless Udhiran (Bobby Deol), who commands armies with an iron fist. The connection between Francis and the boy becomes the emotional core of the film, threading through these centuries and ultimately becoming the central mystery that drives the narrative.

Time Oscillation and Siva’s Vision

The movie ambitiously jumps back and forth between these timelines, attempting to create a layered, interconnected narrative. Director Siva uses these shifts to explore themes of reincarnation, legacy, and destiny. However, the transitions often feel abrupt, leaving viewers struggling to connect the dots. One moment, we are watching a gritty fight scene set in ancient times, and the next, we are jolted to a lively party in Goa. While this contrast could have added depth, it instead disrupts the flow, leaving viewers trying to keep up rather than immerse themselves in the story.

Suriya 's Power

Suriya’s dual role as both Kanguva and Francis is the film’s most compelling aspect. As Kanguva, Suriya embodies the spirit of a fearless tribal warrior bound by duty and honor. His portrayal is intense, capturing the weight of a man willing to sacrifice himself for his people. In contrast, as Francis, he brings out a modern-day charisma tinged with mystery. Suriya’s ability to switch between these two identities, not just in appearance but also in body language and subtle gestures, is remarkable. His performance is the movie’s anchor, providing emotional weight and continuity to an otherwise fragmented narrative.

Other Performances

Bollywood actors Bobby Deol and Disha Patani add some flavor to the supporting cast, though their characters could have been fleshed out better. Bobby Deol’s Udhiran is a formidable villain in terms of presence, but the film fails to delve into his character, leaving him as a somewhat one-dimensional antagonist. Disha Patani, as Angelina, Francis’ rival and former flame, delivers a performance that emphasizes glamour over depth. Other notable performances come from Natarajan Subramaniam, KS Ravikumar, Yogi Babu, and Mansoor Ali Khan, who add texture to the cast but have limited screen time to leave a lasting impact. Special mention goes to a surprising cameo in the climax, which adds a delightful touch for fans.

Technicalities and Misses

From a technical standpoint, Kanguva excels with its cinematography by Vetri Palaniswami, who brings both the stark beauty of 1070 and the vibrancy of 2024 to life. The film’s editing, done by Nishad Yusuf, provides a fast-paced energy for most of the runtime, but the rapid cuts sometimes make it difficult to follow the storyline, especially during action-heavy scenes. Kanguva’s strengths lie in its visual grandeur, the action choreography, and, most importantly, Suriya’s outstanding performance. However, the film’s plot structure feels burdened by ambition. Siva’s focus on elevating Kanguva as a hero inadvertently sidelines other characters, making it hard to connect with anyone besides the protagonist. The emotional core of the story, revolving around Kanguva/Francis’ bond with the young boy, is powerful in theory but poorly executed in practice, scattered in brief montages that prevent viewers from fully investing in their connection.

The Verdict

Kanguva is undeniably ambitious, with Siva aiming to create an epic fantasy that appeals to both mainstream and niche audiences. While it doesn’t entirely succeed in balancing its many elements, it’s still an experience worth watching. His dual role is captivating, carrying the movie through its weaker moments and reminding audiences of his range as an actor.

Rating

***1/2 (3.5/5) stars