Kanguva is a high-energy combination of mythological past and the modern action that constructs an exciting storyline across centuries in a grandiose and mystical manner. The gist of the film is the brutal struggle of a tribal warrior Kanguva whose epic struggle to defend his tribe in 1070 AD echoes through the years eventually connecting to the dangerous journey of a bounty hunter of the future in 2024. The complexity of this interwoven past and present makes a fabulous canvas that makes me feel the timeless heroism and fate and trigger a feeling of reflection and excitement in me.
The movie has a spectacular visual presentation, powerful action scenes and over the top production design that makes both the old and new worlds come alive. The mythic fights that Kanguva engages in are filled with folklore and spirituality and are a stark contrast to the high- octane, gritty affairs that Francis Theodore indulges in in modern day Goa. The acting is passionate and dramatic, and the protagonist is a combination of the historical figure of the warrior and the tough bounty hunter who connects the two eras and has a strong and firm belief. The non-linear narrative and the smooth changes between time kept me interested in reading the screenplay, and the music enhances the affective depth and grandeur of the story.
The most appealing element was the theme of loyalty, betrayal, and timeless heroism which “Kanguva” brings up. The way the book presents the sacrifice in the ancient wars and in the today armed conflicts, made me recall how the courage is eternal and that fighting to defend the people and uphold the values were and will always be. The mythic nature of the film, combined with contemporary sensibilities, made me feel cheered and reflective of the legacies that we pass down and that we make. It is a captivating fantasy that glorifies the timeless strength of heroism in generations.
