Kanguva (2024), directed by Siva and starring Suriya in a dual role, is one of the most anticipated and visually ambitious Tamil films in recent years. Blending epic historical fantasy with a modern-day action thriller, the film explores themes of reincarnation, betrayal, and redemption across a millennium. With a sprawling cast, grand visuals, and a story that leaps from ancient tribal lands to present-day Goa, Kanguva aims to deliver both spectacle and soul. But does it succeed in balancing its scale with emotional depth? Here’s an in-depth, easy-to-read review of Kanguva-including its story, performances, technical strengths, weaknesses, and box office performance.

Dual Timelines: Past and Present

Kanguva unfolds across two main timelines:

• 1070 AD: In the ancient island of Perumaachi, Kanguva (Suriya) is a fierce tribal warrior and chieftain. When Roman invaders, aided by a traitor named Koduvan, slaughter his people, Kanguva takes brutal revenge and adopts Koduvan’s orphaned son, Poruva. As the Romans regroup with the help of the rival chieftain Udhiran (Bobby Deol), Kanguva and Poruva are forced into exile, forging a deep bond as they survive together. But betrayal, sacrifice, and war follow, leading to Poruva’s tragic death and Kanguva’s vow to honor his memory for lifetimes.

• 2024: In present-day Goa, Francis Theodore (also Suriya) is a bounty hunter with a mysterious connection to Zeta, a young escapee from a Russian biomedical lab. Zeta is being hunted for his superhuman abilities, and Francis-alongside his sidekick Colt 95-gets drawn into the chase. As Francis protects Zeta, he experiences strange flashbacks and realizes he is the reincarnation of Kanguva, while Zeta is the reincarnation of Poruva. Meanwhile, the villainous Ryan (the reincarnation of Rathaangasan, Udhiran’s son) seeks vengeance across centuries.

Themes and Structure

The film weaves together ancient warfare, tribal rituals, and supernatural elements with a modern action-thriller plot involving bounty hunters, rivalries, and high-tech chases. The past and present are linked by the central relationship between Kanguva/Francis and Poruva/Zeta, with cycles of violence and redemption playing out across time.

Performances

Suriya (Kanguva/Francis):
Suriya delivers an intense, physical performance, clearly distinguishing between the stoic, battle-hardened Kanguva and the more contemporary, wisecracking Francis. His body language, voice modulation, and emotional range are the film’s backbone, especially in the historical portions.

Bobby Deol (Udhiran):
Bobby Deol, making his Tamil debut, is menacing as the ancient antagonist. While his screen time is limited and his character underwritten, he brings gravitas to the role, especially in the battle sequences.

Disha Patani (Angela):
Disha Patani plays Francis’s ex-girlfriend and rival bounty hunter. While her role is largely decorative, she adds glamour and energy to the present-day segments.

Zeta/Poruva (child actor):
The young actor playing Zeta/Poruva is convincing, especially in emotional scenes with Suriya, making the central bond believable.

Supporting Cast:
The ensemble, including Santhosh Prathap, Jagapathi Babu, and others, deliver solid performances but are often sidelined by the film’s focus on spectacle.

Direction, Screenplay, and Writing

Director Siva ambitiously attempts to blend two genres: a mythic, visually rich historical epic and a modern-day action thriller. The transitions between timelines are handled with visual flair, but the screenplay is often overloaded with information, characters, and subplots.

The film’s strongest writing is in the past timeline, where the world-building-tribal customs, weapons, and rituals-feels immersive and unique. The present-day plot, however, is weighed down by generic bounty hunter tropes, forced humor, and underdeveloped relationships.

The reincarnation angle is intriguing but not always emotionally resonant; the film rushes through key moments, sacrificing depth for pace.

Visuals and Technical Aspects

Cinematography:
The film is visually stunning, especially in the ancient sequences. Sweeping landscapes, detailed set designs, and dynamic battle scenes create a grand, immersive world. The tribal costumes, weaponry, and rituals are meticulously crafted, giving the film a distinct identity.

Action and Effects:
The action choreography is a highlight, with large-scale battles, inventive weapon use, and some brutal hand-to-hand combat. The visual effects are impressive in the ancient war scenes, though the present-day CGI occasionally feels less polished.

Music and Sound:
The background score and songs (by Devi Sri Prasad) add energy and emotion, especially during key battle and emotional moments. The sound design enhances the immersive experience, from the clang of swords to the roar of ancient crowds.

What Works

• Suriya’s Performance: His dual roles anchor the film, especially in the historical portions.

• Visual World-Building: The ancient timeline is richly imagined, from costumes to combat.

• Action Sequences: The battles are choreographed with scale and creativity.

• Central Relationship: The bond between Kanguva/Francis and Poruva/Zeta provides emotional stakes.

What Could Be Better

• Overstuffed Plot: Too many subplots and characters dilute the emotional core.

• Present-Day Segments: The modern timeline feels rushed and less engaging.

• Villain Development: Bobby Deol’s Udhiran is underutilized, and his motivations are not deeply explored.

• Pacing: The film moves too quickly through important character moments, especially in the second half.

Box Office Performance

Kanguva opened to strong box office numbers, driven by Suriya’s star power, the film’s visual spectacle, and pre-release hype.

Box Office Highlights:

• Opening Weekend (Worldwide): ₹110 crore

• India Gross (First Week): ₹85 crore

• Overseas Gross (First Week): ₹25 crore

• Total Worldwide Gross (as of May 2025): ₹210 crore

The film became one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of 2024-2025, with especially strong performance in Tamil Nadu and overseas markets like the UAE, Malaysia, and the US. Despite mixed reviews, its visual appeal and Suriya’s performance ensured packed theaters and repeat viewings.

Audience and Critical Reception

Critics praised the film’s visual ambition, action sequences, and Suriya’s performance, especially in the historical portions. However, many noted that the screenplay was convoluted, the present-day story lacked depth, and the emotional beats were often rushed.

Audiences, especially fans of epic action and Suriya, enjoyed the spectacle, the tribal world-building, and the reincarnation twist. Family audiences appreciated the film’s scale and entertainment value, though some found the modern timeline confusing.

Final Verdict

Kanguva is a visually spectacular, ambitious fantasy epic that delivers on action and spectacle but sometimes stumbles in storytelling and emotional depth. Suriya’s performance and the ancient world sequences are the film’s highlights, making it a must-watch for fans of grand Indian cinema. While the present-day plot and villain arcs could have been stronger, the film’s scale, technical brilliance, and central relationship make it a memorable cinematic experience.

Rating: 3.5/5

Conclusion

If you love epic historical adventures, reincarnation sagas, and visually rich action, Kanguva is a film you’ll want to see on the big screen. It’s a testament to Tamil cinema’s growing ambition and ability to blend spectacle with storytelling. While not perfect, it’s an entertaining ride that will leave you marveling at its scale and rooting for its heroes across lifetimes.