The Challenging Journey of *Kanguva*
Suriya's latest venture, the fantasy action film *Kanguva*, appears to be grappling for survival at the box office. Day 7 saw a modest collection of ₹2.40 crore net in India, contributing to a total domestic net of ₹62.40 crore. The global gross is a bit higher at ₹96.00 crore, but these figures aren't nearly enough to cover the film's whopping ₹300–350 crore production budget.
Interestingly, despite a blockbuster pre-release business worth ₹500 crore—which included digital, satellite, and distribution rights—the film seems unable to capture the audience’s long-term interest. The Hindi version's contribution stands at a humble ₹0.70 crore on Day 7, bringing its seven-day tally to ₹12.80 crore, which highlights the broader challenges the film is experiencing.
Struggles in Storytelling and Critical Reception
Directed by Siva and featuring co-star Bobby Deol, *Kanguva* faced sharp criticism from its viewers and critics alike. The screenplay and sound design, integral parts of a fantasy action film, did not meet expectations, exerting a negative impact on both the theater audience and reviewers. In an attempt to salvage the situation, the makers chopped off 12 minutes from the film's runtime post-release.
The film's fate was not significantly better overseas; having collected only ₹23 crore from international markets, it underscored the global cool reception. The local audience rejecting the movie alongside harsh critiques paints a concerning picture for a film with sizable investments.
While the goal was for *Kanguva* to join the prestigious ₹100 crore club, it now seems likely that the film will serve as a cautionary tale for the industry—highlighting that high-budget spectacles must combine technical finesse with compelling narratives to attract and retain audiences.