Suriya's *Kanguva* was released in theaters on November 14, and while the fantasy action thriller has received a mix of positive and critical reviews, it has had a strong debut at the box office. The film, directed by Siruthai Siva and produced by KE Gnanavel Raja, is an ambitious project with a large scale that blends elements of historical drama and fantasy. While its opening figures indicate a solid start, it has yet to meet expectations fully, especially considering its high profile and large budget.
Early box office reports suggest *Kanguva* earned Rs 5.41 crore across India in all languages on its opening day, though this figure remains preliminary, with confirmed earnings expected in the coming days. While these numbers are respectable, trade analyst Ramesh Bala has indicated that the film’s opening was somewhat muted. One of the key reasons for this is the delayed opening of advance bookings in multiplexes, which likely impacted early sales, particularly in major markets. However, Bala pointed out that the response in Tamil Nadu, especially in Chennai, was relatively better, and that *Kanguva* had set a career-best opening for Suriya. In comparison to his last release, *Etharkkum Thunindhavan*, *Kanguva* is expected to perform significantly better, with projections indicating it will outdo the earlier film by 2 to 3 times in terms of box office collection.
*India Today Digital* gave the film a rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars, acknowledging Suriya’s commanding performance as one of the main highlights of the film. His portrayal of two distinct characters across dual timelines was seen as a major asset, especially with his earnestness in both action sequences and emotional moments. However, the review was more critical of other performances, particularly Bobby Deol’s portrayal of the antagonist. Despite his effort to embody the role, the review stated that Deol’s character didn’t come across as menacing as expected. The review also noted that Deol’s character was bogged down by overly stylized shots like slow-motion effects and dramatic head tilts, which seemed more superficial than impactful. Disha Patani, making her Tamil debut, was criticized for her limited screen presence and lack of significant character development in a film where lesser-known supporting actors were given more substantial roles and action sequences.
*Kanguva* has been marketed as a multi-layered narrative, set against a historical backdrop and incorporating fantasy elements, giving it a grand and epic feel. The dual timelines, in which Suriya plays two distinct characters, add an intriguing layer to the storytelling, as the film explores a combination of action, drama, and fantasy. This ambitious approach, however, has not been fully appreciated by critics, with some pointing out that the film struggles to balance its complex narrative with coherent pacing.
Despite these mixed reviews, the film's strong star power, particularly Suriya’s committed performance, is expected to continue attracting viewers. As a big-budget action film, *Kanguva* offers a visually striking experience, with high production values and special effects that create an immersive experience for the audience. The historical elements, combined with fantasy sequences, contribute to the film’s larger-than-life appeal. However, whether the film can maintain its momentum at the box office will largely depend on audience reactions in the coming days, as the storyline and supporting performances continue to evolve.
The film’s success is also tied to how it manages to resonate with viewers in smaller markets, where films with period and fantasy elements often face an uphill battle in terms of mass appeal. With its unique narrative and diverse characters, *Kanguva* remains a work in progress for Suriya, Disha Patani, and Bobby Deol, with potential for growth if the audience connects with its ambitious vision. The coming days will provide a clearer picture of the film’s overall performance and whether it can achieve the kind of box office success that the filmmakers were hoping for.
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