Suriya Shines, Script Stumbles: Mixed Reactions to ‘Kanguva’ After First-Day Shows
Suriya’s pan-Indian film Kanguva has hit theatres worldwide today, sparking a wave of responses from audiences who attended its first-day-first-show (FDFS). Fans quickly took to social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), to share their thoughts.
While many viewers were impressed by Suriya’s performance in the title role, they found fault with the film’s script and screenplay.
Mixed Reactions as Kanguva Hits Theatres Across India
In one review shared on X, a movie critic described the film as a “below-par fantasy action film that had a story with good potential but is executed in a clumsy way.” The reviewer praised Suriya’s dedication and efforts, yet felt it was difficult for a single performance to elevate the script.
Another fan echoed this sentiment, saying, “A weak script backed up with mind-blowing visuals and excellent VFX… good performance from Suriya and small boy… Manippu video song is easily best part on the movie. 3D is too good. Racy screenplay but failed to impress us … couldn’t able to connect in single scene.”
The reviews, however, were not all negative. A few fans considered Kanguva a potential blockbuster due to Suriya’s strong performance, with one fan comparing it to Baahubali and calling it a “blockbuster” for Indian cinema. This split reaction has created a buzz around the film, as many fans express contrasting views on the storytelling and visual quality.
Audience Shares Polarized Opinions on Visuals and Direction
The fantasy action drama, directed by Siva and starring Suriya, Bobby Deol, and Disha Patani, has received mixed responses from fans. While visuals and Suriya’s portrayal of both Kanguva and Francis have been lauded, some viewers felt the film’s execution was lacking.
A fan listed highlights from the film’s first half, writing, “#Kanguva First half Highlights. Special Title card for Suriya – Banger & Stylish Suriya entry – Yolo dance from the combo – Social unreleased elevation song from DSP – Fire song visuals – Emotional interval sequence – Solid Fight Portions.”
One action sequence that stood out for fans was a scene involving a crocodile, which many described as thrilling. While Suriya’s dual-role performance received widespread appreciation, Disha Patani’s role was given a less favorable mention, with fans using emojis to hint at mixed reactions.
A viewer was also thrilled by the appearance of a “surprise cameo,” remarking that Suriya’s portrayal was “explosive and intense.” They described the action choreography as “top-notch” and praised the “cinematography and costume design.”
Suriya’s Performance Praised but Script Draws Criticism
Despite these high points, some fans found Kanguva lacking in certain areas. One reviewer expressed that the film was mainly worth watching for Suriya’s performance, noting, “#Suriya shed his blood n sweat for this movie and it’s clearly visible on screen but the story should been still more supportive for it.”
They also mentioned that while Bobby Deol’s character offered some support, certain portions of the film failed to make an impact, writing, “Total Kanguva portions are goosebumps but unimpressive Francis. #DSP BGM Kaadhu valikidhu. Only for Suriya.”
Some fans even suggested that Suriya’s performance alone couldn’t save Kanguva. One person noted, “Surya does well in his role and his efforts should be appreciated but it’s hard to save a script like this with just a performance.”
They went on to say that the film lacked emotional connectivity, explaining, “Director Siva holds the screenplay together partially in the first half but loses it in the second which makes it hard to sit through after a point.”
Another common complaint among fans was the high-pitched dialogue delivery from the characters. One viewer commented, “All the characters including Surya shout in high pitch throughout, which was too much to take.” They also pointed out the overuse of a “smoke effect” meant to cover up imperfections in the CG, which some felt was excessive.
Kanguva, directed by Siva, is set in a timeline that spans around a millennium. It follows a tribal officer’s quest to save his people, which connects mysteriously to a shadow cop’s mission in the present. The film showcases Suriya in a dual role as both Kanguva and Francis Theodore, with Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Natarajan Subramaniam, Yogi Babu, and Redin Kingsley playing significant roles.
In the end, Kanguva seems to have struck a chord with some fans due to its ambitious scale and Suriya’s commitment, while leaving others dissatisfied with what they saw as weak storytelling and direction. The divided reactions highlight both the strengths and weaknesses of Siva’s latest fantasy action endeavor, showcasing the tension between grand visuals and narrative depth in contemporary Indian cinema.
