The 97th Academy Awards are just around the corner, and one of the most surprising entries in the Oscars 2025 race is the film Kanguva. Starring renowned Tamil actor Suriya alongside Bollywood’s Bobby Deol, this epic fantasy action drama has captured attention despite being one of 2024’s most notable box-office failures. With its inclusion, Kanguva finds itself in competition with several critically acclaimed films like Girls Will Be Girls and All We Imagine as Light, stirring discussions and debates concerning its artistic merit and the selection process for Oscar nominations.
Kanguva’s Journey to the Oscars
A Box-Office Disappointment
Directed by Siruthai Siva, Kanguva was anticipated to be a major cinematic event, bolstered by its high-profile cast and a hefty budget ranging from ₹300-350 crore. Nevertheless, upon its release, the film managed to gather only ₹106 crore at the box office, marking it as a significant financial disappointment. The film’s swift move to digital platforms shortly after its theatrical run highlighted its lack of commercial viability and drew criticism from both fans and critics alike.
Competing with Acclaimed Films
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a list of 323 feature films eligible for this year’s Oscars, with 207 films qualified for the coveted Best Picture category. Among these contenders are six Indian films, notably:
- Kanguva (Tamil)
- Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life (Hindi)
- Santosh (Hindi)
- Swatantrya Veer Savarkar (Hindi)
- All We Imagine as Light (Malayalam-Hindi)
- Girls Will Be Girls (Hindi-English)
While many South Indian cinema enthusiasts celebrate this representation at the Oscars, others are left pondering the nomination criteria, especially for a film like Kanguva, which was met with critical disdain and disappointing box-office performance.
Kanguva Movie Cast
With an ensemble cast that includes:
- Suriya as Kanguva / Francis Theodore
- Bobby Deol as Udhiran
- Disha Patani as Angela
- Natarajan Subramaniam as Koduvan
- Yogi Babu as Colt 95
- K.S. Ravikumar as Nolasco Raposo
- Redin Kingsley, Kovai Sarala, among others in supporting roles.
This talented lineup aims to bring depth to the story, yet the film’s overall reception raises questions about its narrative effectiveness.
Ratings on Different Platforms
Despite its lackluster box-office performance, Kanguva has received varied reviews across different platforms:
- IMDb: 5.3/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 42% (Critics) / 55% (Audience Score)
- BookMyShow: 3.2/5
The disparity in these ratings reflects the ongoing debate among viewers and critics regarding the film’s creative execution and its overall impact.
Fan Reactions
The announcement of Kanguva‘s Oscar eligibility has incited a flurry of reactions across social media platforms. Many users are expressing skepticism and humor, with remarks such as “Is this a joke?” and “Kanguva at the Oscars? What’s next, a Grammy for the soundtrack?” Viral memes and jokes fill social media feeds as fans react to this unexpected news.
Notable Competitors
Comparatively, Girls Will Be Girls and All We Imagine as Light have achieved significant critical acclaim and earned nominations at the Golden Globes. Their success has sparked further conversations about the Oscar nomination criteria and the selection process for films, particularly regarding the merit of commercially unsuccessful entries.
Upcoming Oscar Timeline
The voting process for Oscar nominations is set to occur from January 8 to January 12, 2025, with final nominations slated to be announced on January 17, 2025. The Oscars ceremony is scheduled for March 2, 2025, at the prestigious Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, where the entertainment industry will celebrate cinematic achievements.
Disclaimer: The information provided is based on current reports and may be subject to change as new data becomes available.