Suriya’s Kanguva Joins Oscars 2025 Race, Fans Question ‘How?’

Suriya’s Kanguva Joins Oscars 2025 Race

Suriya’s Kanguva has made headlines recently, and not for the reasons you might expect. Despite the film being met with mixed reactions at the box office, it has now gained recognition as a contender for the 2025 Oscars. The film, which was released in India, had fans and critics divided right from the start. While some were excited by its high-budget visuals and action sequences, others criticized its loud soundtrack and the fact that many actors, including Suriya, had very limited screen time.

So, what exactly is Kanguva about? Directed by Siruthai Siva, the film is a fantasy action adventure that marks Suriya’s return to the big screen after a two-year break. It follows Francis Theodore, a bounty hunter based in Goa in 2024. His life takes an unexpected turn when he meets a mysterious child, which causes him to recall his past life—a past filled with a centuries-old tale of a warrior named Kanguva. This revelation pushes Francis on a mission to settle old scores while also protecting those he holds dear in the present. The movie is an attempt to blend fantasy elements with action, and while it had some striking visuals, the overall execution left many disappointed.

The film’s box office performance didn’t live up to expectations. Critics pointed out several issues, particularly with the loud and overbearing soundtrack that seemed to overpower the film’s more intimate moments. The performances, while appreciated by some, were also criticized for being underutilized, especially by the supporting cast. The movie’s pacing and storytelling choices didn’t do much to win over the audience either, leaving many to question whether it lived up to the hype created during its promotion.

Also read:Allu Arjun visits Sreetej at hospital

However, what’s truly surprising is that despite its disappointing box office run, Kanguva has now been selected as a contender for the 2025 Oscars. This news has certainly caught many off guard. After all, an underwhelming performance at the box office doesn’t typically translate into an Oscars spot. Yet, here we are, with Kanguva being considered for the prestigious awards, and fans have been reacting in all sorts of ways. While some are genuinely excited for Suriya and the film’s recognition, others have raised an eyebrow. The more cynical fans have even shared memes mocking the Oscars’ decision, with one particularly hilarious meme showing Barack Obama presenting a medal to himself, as if Suriya is somehow behind the nomination himself.

But Kanguva isn’t the only film in the race for the Oscars. The list also includes a variety of other films from different regions, showcasing the diversity of the Indian film industry. Movies like Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life) and Swatantrya Veer Savarkar in Hindi are among the contenders, alongside All We Imagine as Light in both Malayalam and Hindi. Another entry, Girls will be Girls, is also in the mix, spanning both Hindi and English. Notably, the Hindi film Santosh has been added as well, and it represents the UK’s official entry in the major categories.

So, how did Kanguva manage to snag a spot in this list? The selection seems to be based not just on box office success, but perhaps on other factors like the film’s ambition, technical achievements, and potential for international recognition. Even though the film didn’t perform well in India, it might have been appreciated for its scale, visual effects, and attempt to blend genres that could appeal to a wider, global audience. Moreover, films like Kanguva, which are big-budget epics, often attract the attention of juries who are looking for films that push boundaries or stand out in terms of production quality.

Ultimately, while the film may not have been a commercial success, its selection for the Oscars shows that recognition can sometimes be about more than just how much money a film makes. It’s about its artistic merit, its craft, and sometimes its sheer ambition. Whether or not Kanguva will go on to win any Oscars remains to be seen, but it has certainly generated a conversation that wouldn’t have been possible if not for its unexpected nomination.

It just goes to show that in the world of cinema, sometimes the path to recognition isn’t always linear. Even a film that might seem like a flop at first glance can surprise everyone by getting a spot in the race for one of the most prestigious awards in the world.