Suriya's latest, 'Kanguva', takes viewers across two distinct timelines—2024 and 1070. In the present, Suriya's Francis, a bounty hunter, whose life takes a strange turn when he meets a young boy and senses a deep, almost otherworldly connection. In 1070, he's Kanga aka Kanguva, a fierce protector willing to risk everything for his people.
The mystery of how these two lives intersect gives 'Kanguva' its premise, but despite Suriya's intense performance, the film struggles with uninspired writing that misses the mark. Siva's direction has strong points, yet the lacklustre writing prevents the story from making the impact fans might have hoped for. The film's opening lacks impact, with the present-day storyline feeling loosely written and formulaic, as though Siva leaned heavily on the usual mass-market ingredients: a glam-focused heroine (Disha Patani), Yogi Babu for comic relief, and familiar Tamil cinema tropes.
It shifts between the two timelines, but once the dots connect, the plot feels disappointingly thin, especially for a film showcasing Suriya putting his all into his role. Despite his commitment, there's little that truly stands out or feels inspired. The powerful background score and Suriya's electrifying performance stand out in the film.
The visuals and cinematography are equally impressive, bringing out the beauty of the village, the unity of its people, and the intensity of the battle scenes with remarkable clarity. Full credit goes to cinematographer Vetri, a.