KANGUVA review

Given Siva’s track record as a director, it was always doubtful whether Suriya’s Kanguva would meet the high expectation set by the pre-release hype. Despite that, nothing prepares the viewer for the larger than life narratives in Kanguva that would undoubtedly supply meme-makers with material for years to come.

Surya plays a dual role in Kanguva opposite Disha Patani in her Tamil debut, with Bobby Deol also making his Tamil debut. Others in the cast are K.S. Ravikumar, Nadarajan Subramaniyan, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley, Kovai Saralla, Karunas, Mansoor Ali Khan, Bose Venkat and Harish Uththaman.

The story is set in the 2^nd millennium and present times. Opposing modern-day bounty hunters, Francis Theodore (Suriya) and Angelina (Disha Pattani) are former lovers and are constantly trying to outdoor each when given an assignment by a mutual friend – a policeman played by KS Ravikumar. When Francis comes across a runaway child, Zelta, he senses a deep but unexplained connection with the child. The film then lapses into a lengthy flashback that shows the link between the two.

Although the opening sequences are quite arresting with the visual splendour and what promised to be a pseudo-science fiction thriller, the film then descends to a combination of bad writing, poor special effects and the total suspension of logic and science.

One could take the outdated attempts at comedy with Suriya, Disha Pattani, KS Ravikumar, Yogi Babu and Redin Kingsley. One could even pardon the use of modern Tamil in the 11th century, but the scene in which Kanguva wrestles a full-sized crocodile – and wins – is where one accepts that the film is either a parody or a really badly-made film. Add to this mix, swords and knives that pierce bodies without drawing blood, running at the same pace as a speeding van, using a motorbike to fly into an aeroplane taking off, or the fight sequences that suspend all common sense, it is all too difficult to swallow – even for the most ardent of Suriya fans.

One can only admire Suriya for the sheer effort he has put into this film. Apart from the physical demands of the role, he had gone to great lengths in the emotive portrayal of Kanguva versus the nonchalance of Francis Theodore. One must therefore ask of what use was the amount of screaming and bellowing that marred not only his performance but also the film as a whole.

One has to also wonder about the wisdom in casting Disha Patani in the lead role, as she is clearly mismatched for a Tamil film, and there is the same amount of chemistry between Suriya and Disha than there is with Disha and Redin Kingsley.

Bobby Deol does just enough to impress but there was nothing earth shatteringly impressive about his performance. Yogi Babu and Redin Kinglsey are anything but funny, and the usually charming KS Ravikumar is a severe test of one’s patience. There is also a delightful short surprise cameo in the film.

Technically, the film has a great deal to offer. Vetri Palanisamy’s cinematography is easily the best contribution to the film. Apart from capturing the splendour of the very scenic locations, Palanisamy’s sweeping tracking shots, rapid zooms, unusual framing and a very varied palette all combine to make a truly stunning visual impact.

Devi Sri Prasad has done well in the background score, except where he has to compete with the cacophony of screams from Suriya and Bobby Deol.

One must give credit to Siva for attempting something different and trying to weave a fresh narrative with elements of history, science fiction, fantasy, love and compassion. However, at a time when Tamil cinema is venturing into new overseas territories, the film does not present Tamil movies in the best light, as Siva has truly underestimated the intelligence of his audience.

With a huge budget, great star power and a strong technical team, Kanguva could have taken Tamil films to another level. Instead, it is has numerous scenes that has the audience shaking their heads in disbelief.

If you’re a die-hard Suriya fan, you will find just about enough in his performance to make the film palatable. On the other hand, if you are a discerning film fan, you would have to be very forgiving to overlook the film’s many weaknesses.

Kanguva scores 4 points out of 10.