KANGUVA – MOVIE REVIEW

KANGUVA aims to be an epic fantasy spectacle, directed by Siva and produced by Studio Green along with UV Creations. With a staggering budget of ₹300–350 crore, it ranks among the most expensive films in Tamil cinema. But for all its grand ambitions, the film lands more as an extravagant misfire than a triumph.

Right from the first half hour, it’s evident that the film struggles to find its footing. Suriya’s over-the-top portrayal, especially in the opening sequences, drains any initial excitement. The story, a familiar play on dual timelines, lacks the innovation to make it memorable. The screenplay is scattered and disjointed, stumbling through the narrative until it shifts to the period setting, where things momentarily improve. Yet even then, the writing falls short of the sharpness needed for an epic fantasy. The emotional beats, crucial for this genre, feel hollow and fail to resonate, buried under a deluge of noise and spectacle. The first half drags painfully, while the second half only slightly redeems itself with a few well-executed action scenes. The ending hints at a sequel, but considering the underwhelming reception, the likelihood of that seems slim. What was once envisioned as the next 1000-crore blockbuster now feels more like a forgotten dream.

Performance-wise, Suriya’s dual roles are uneven. He shines as Kanguva, but his portrayal of Francis is a major letdown, veering into caricature. Disha Patani, unfortunately, has a limited role, reduced to a mere prop in the narrative. Bobby Deol barely makes an impact, with more presence on promotional posters than in the film itself. Yogi Babu’s comedic attempts are a misfire, adding little but irritation.

On the technical front, the film does have its moments. Vetri Palanisamy’s cinematography stands out, delivering some visually striking scenes that add to the film’s grand scale. However, the background score by Devi Sri Prasad is overpowering and often detracts from the scenes instead of enhancing them. The songs are forgettable, blending into the background without leaving a mark. Editing by Nishad Yusuf is one of the film’s biggest flaws—the chaotic cuts in the first half make it hard to follow the story, leaving viewers disoriented. The dialogues are serviceable but lack any memorable punch, while Siva’s direction feels uninspired, unable to lift the film beyond its clichés.

In the end, KANGUVA is a classic case of style over substance. It’s a film that might have dazzled with half the budget and double the creativity. A wasted opportunity for a story that deserved better, it’s an expensive, noisy spectacle that misses the heart and soul of a true epic.

Verdict: KANGUVA – a costly blunder that’s more hype than heroics.

Rating: 2/5