Suriya shines in tribal avatar, but Kanguva falters with weak plot

Director: Siva

Rating: 2/5 stars

No doubt, the much hyped Kanguva is a one man show of Tamil star Suriya who essay tribal warrior role with consummate ease. After portraying realistic role like upright lawyer in 'Jai Bhim' and pilot turned entrepreneur in Soorarai Potru, Suriya tries his hand in larger than life role but director Shiva truly let's him down. Director designs a unique tribal zone and also few tribal kings. But it's tribal Suriya stands out with his long haired looks, menacing and killer expressions and few softer emotions too, yet hero is unable to salvage a wafer thin plot-Suriya vows to save kid and goes on exile too. Even baddy Bobby Deol has his moments but motive of Romanian army to take over these zones is vague. Hence, the battle between varied tribals goes for a toss and just provides some action episodes for protoganist to flex his muscles and sword wielding process. But surely film lacks good 'emotional core' for the audience barring Suriya and kid bonding. Less said the better about present times where Suriya is a bounty hunter and picks criminals to receive cash award from cops. He is in love with Disha Patani who is also bounty hunter but their love track fails to take off. The jokes of Yogibabu falls flat on its face. However, composer Devisriprasad sustains the mood in the flashback with his good background score. Cinematography by Vetri is bit captivating.

The film starts in a biomedical centre where brain mapping experiments are conducted and a kid escapes the centre. Meanwhile, bounty hunter Suriya captured drug criminal in Goa and earns few lakhs, while Disha Patani also claims share in the amount. Then, he is asked to capture a son of gang-lord but mission misfires while a kid ( who escaped from centre) with few psycho kenesus skills. Hero feels some connection with the kid and he tries to save him from being taken away by guards from centre. Check out in theatres to witness the rest of magic.

Tamil star Suriya aggressively promoted the film like never before, probably he realised the limitations of the fictional story. He did a good job and goes over board at times, yet holds interest with his performance and puts his heart and soul into unique role. Bobby Deol who played a ruthless drug lord in 'Animal, gets another role to showcase his evil side. He is another saving grace after Suriya in this contrived tribal warriors saga.

Director Shiva was probably inspired by S S Rajamouli movies like Bahubali and wanted to make a warrior movie. But he should definitely worked on the script rather than just banking on hero punishing a rival lord and trying to redeem himself by bringing up his kid. Finally, he introduces Karthi in menacing look and vows to kill Kanguva. It's good and surprising moment of the film.