Review by– Ashwini Kumar

More than two and a half years have passed since we saw superstar Suriya in a lead role on the big screen. And that’s why, the expectations with Kanguva were very high. Director Siva had also claimed it to be the most powerful film of Suriya’s career, however, he has shattered all hopes.

In this 2-hour 24-minute 48-second story, Siva has shown Suriya in two different time frames – one in 1070 and the other in 2024. Kanguva begins in a Russian biomedical lab where science experiments are being conducted on children to enhance their brain power and give them superpowers.

However, a child named Zeta escapes from the facility and reaches Goa. There, Zeta meets a bounty hunter named Francis, who lives with his girlfriend Angela and friend. Francis starts the action. Francis and Zeta develop a strange connection, prompting the bounty hunter to save the child.

Cut to the story in 1070, where Roman warriors are out to conquer five islands, including Perumatchi, ruled by warrior prince Kanguva. He must protect his tribe from Romans and other tribes, including Athira tribe’s leader Uthiran. Meanwhile, Kanguva also decides to rescue a child named Poruva from the Romans and even his father’s greed. This story continues even after 1,000 years. However, Karthi’s cameo in the climax sets the stage for Kangua 2. So, When will Kanguva confront the Romans? Perhaps in the third or fourth part.

The first half, set in Goa, is skippable. Disha Patani’s mandatory bikini scene doesn’t save it. Suriya’s romantic chemistry with Disha is unclear, even to director Siva. Yogi Babu’s comedy falls flat. The entire Goa sequence is deletable.

The 1070 storyline, visuals, and Suriya’s character receive attention, but other characters’ backgrounds and scenes are neglected. Even Uthiran’s character is poorly developed. The war sequence between Kanguva and Uthiran, despite its high budget, looks like a costume drama.

Rockstar DSP’s loud background music irritates, making you ignore the impressive visuals. By the climax, you’re exhausted.

Suriya works hard as Francis and Kanguva, but the weak storyline undermines his efforts. Disha Patani needs acting classes immediately. Yogi Babu’s misuse deserves punishment, and Bobby Deol should reconsider signing films without thought.

Kanguva’s first part dashes expectations. South makers should slow down and focus on tightening their storylines in heavy-budget, pan-India films.