The release of Kanguva, the highly anticipated fantasy action drama starring Suriya, Bobby Deol, and Disha Patani, has sparked a wave of mixed reviews from audiences. While Suriya’s performance has earned widespread praise, particularly for his portrayal of dual roles, many viewers are divided on the film’s overall execution and narrative strength.

Suriya’s Stellar Dual Roles and Visual Excellence

One of the film’s biggest highlights is Suriya’s portrayal of two distinct characters—Kanguva, a warrior in the past, and Francis, a modern-day man. Fans took to social media to express their admiration for his intense dedication, with one viewer stating, “Rating for Kanguva: 4/5. Dramatic, insane storytelling with impactful action sequences. Truly the GOAT @Suriya_offl!” Another fan particularly praised his stylish entry and a vibrant dance number, which was complemented by a gripping emotional interval sequence.

The visual effects also garnered much acclaim, especially in action-packed scenes like the thrilling crocodile encounter, where the grandeur of the VFX added to the intensity. A fan noted, “Suriya’s performance is stellar, and the VFX brings an epic scale to the movie, especially in the fight sequences.” However, some were quick to point out that the film’s star power wasn’t enough to elevate other aspects of the story, particularly Disha Patani’s underwhelming role.

A Surprising Cameo and Highs Amidst Lows

While many fans lauded the action choreography and cinematography, one viewer hinted at a “mind-blowing surprise cameo” that added an extra layer of excitement to the film. Despite this, others pointed out the uneven pacing and narrative flaws that prevented the movie from reaching its full potential. As one fan shared, “A decent action drama with high points, though it has notable lows.”

Critiques: Francis’s Storyline and Pacing Issues

While Suriya’s dual roles were praised, the film’s script and pacing received significant criticism. Some fans felt that despite Suriya’s powerful performance, the Francis storyline lacked the emotional depth necessary to anchor the narrative. One user remarked, “Suriya’s dedication is clear, but the story doesn’t fully support it. While the Kanguva portions are exciting, Francis’s character falls flat.” Another viewer echoed these sentiments, adding that the second half of the film dragged, especially with some underwhelming comedy sequences.

Missed Emotional Impact and Overwhelming Execution

A common critique was the film’s failure to establish a strong emotional connection. Several viewers noted that while the action scenes were visually stunning, they lacked the emotional weight needed to give the movie a deeper impact. One fan commented, “Suriya’s effort is undeniable, but the film doesn’t offer the emotional depth required. The second half feels harder to sit through, especially with the loud dialogues and excessive smoke effects.” This excessive use of stylistic elements, meant to cover up some of the film’s CGI flaws, seemed to overwhelm some viewers.

A particularly disappointed fan summed up their experience by saying, “Kanguva shows why great visuals alone aren’t enough. Without the post-credit scene, it’d be a total miss,” rating the film a low 1.5/5.

About Kanguva

Kanguva tells the story of Suriya’s character, Kanguva, who is a warrior in the past and a man named Francis in the present. The plot, revolving around reincarnation and a mysterious child, features Bobby Deol as a historical warrior and Disha Patani as his love interest in the modern-day storyline. Despite the early mixed reviews, fans remain hopeful that the film may gain a stronger reception in later screenings, as the elements of reincarnation, action, and grand visuals continue to capture the imagination of viewers.