Jobaaj Stories
One of the most anticipated Indian films of 2024, Kanguva, directed by Siruthai Siva, has taken an unexpected turn in its journey. Despite being a massive box-office failure, this epic fantasy action film starring Suriya, Bobby Deol, and Disha Patani has now become a top contender at the Oscars 2025. Here's a closer look at how Kanguva made its way to this prestigious list and why it’s stirring a mix of excitement and controversy among fans and critics alike.
High Expectations for Kanguva
Before its release, Kanguva was touted as one of the most ambitious Indian films of 2024. With a massive budget of ₹300-350 crore, the film boasted a stellar cast, including Tamil superstar Suriya in a dual role, Bollywood actress Disha Patani as the female lead, and Bobby Deol making his Tamil debut as the antagonist. Following Bobby Deol’s much-praised performance in Animal (2023), expectations were sky-high for his role in this film.
The film’s grand visuals, elaborate sets, and fantasy-driven narrative had generated massive buzz. However, the excitement didn’t translate into success. Kanguva ended up earning a mere ₹106 crore at the box office, failing to recover even a fraction of its budget.
Box-Office Bomb Turned Oscar Contender
Despite its disappointing box-office run, Kanguva has now emerged as a surprising contender for the Oscars 2025. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently announced that 323 feature films are eligible for the 97th Academy Awards, with 207 meeting the requirements for the coveted Best Picture category. Among these, six Indian films have been shortlisted, including Kanguva.
The other Indian entries include:
- Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life (Hindi)
- Santosh (Hindi)
- Swatantrya Veer Savarkar (Hindi)
- All We Imagine as Light (Malayalam-Hindi)
- Girls Will Be Girls (Hindi-English)
OTT Success and Critical Recognition
Following its box-office failure, Kanguva quickly transitioned to OTT platforms, where it gained a second wind. Audiences who missed its theatrical release appreciated the film’s stunning visuals and ambitious storytelling, even if the overall execution was divisive.
Its inclusion in the Oscars race has surprised many, especially as it stands alongside critically acclaimed films like Shuchi Talati’s Girls Will Be Girls and Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light. Both films have been praised for their artistic depth, with All We Imagine as Light even earning two nominations at the Golden Globes 2025.
Why the Backlash?
While fans of Suriya and Tamil cinema are thrilled about Kanguva being recognized on an international platform, many netizens are questioning its inclusion. Critics argue that a film’s box-office performance should reflect its eligibility for prestigious awards like the Oscars. Others, however, believe that commercial success isn’t the sole criterion for recognition, pointing out that Kanguva was a bold attempt at a fantasy epic, and its visuals and scale deserve acknowledgment.
Indian Cinema at the Oscars
The inclusion of six Indian films in the Oscars 2025 eligible list is a testament to the growing influence of Indian cinema on the global stage. With films like RRR previously winning an Oscar and Baahubali capturing worldwide attention, India’s regional and mainstream cinema is making waves internationally.
Kanguva’s entry, despite its box-office failure, highlights the Academy’s evolving focus on diverse storytelling and unique cinematic visions. It also reflects how OTT platforms are reshaping the reach and perception of Indian films beyond traditional box-office metrics.
The Road Ahead for Kanguva
Whether Kanguva progresses further in the Oscars race remains to be seen. However, its inclusion is a significant moment for its cast, crew, and fans. It underscores the importance of innovation and ambition in filmmaking, regardless of commercial outcomes.
As discussions around Kanguva continue to grow, it’s clear that the film’s journey is far from over. Love it or criticize it, Kanguva is now part of a broader conversation about Indian cinema’s place on the global stage, and that itself is a victory for the industry.
Conclusion
Suriya and Bobby Deol’s Kanguva may not have succeeded at the box office, but its unexpected Oscars 2025 contention has reignited interest in the film. Its journey from being a costly box-office bomb to earning recognition on an international stage proves that cinema is more than just numbers—it’s about vision, storytelling, and artistic impact.
