Suriya’s Kanguva Joins Oscar 2025 Contenders List

Kanguva

The Tamil film industry is abuzz with excitement as Suriya’s magnum opus Kanguva has achieved a significant milestone by being listed among the 323 feature films eligible for the 97th Academy Awards in 2025. Directed by Siruthai Siva, the fantasy drama’s inclusion in this prestigious list has sparked a wave of reactions among fans, critics, and cinema enthusiasts worldwide. Here is a comprehensive look at the film’s journey, its reception, its eligibility for the Oscars, and how netizens are responding to the news.

About the Film: Kanguva

Kanguva is a high-budget epic fantasy drama featuring Suriya in a dual role. The film also stars Bollywood actor Bobby Deol and actress Disha Patani in pivotal roles. Directed by Siruthai Siva, who is known for crafting larger-than-life cinematic experiences, Kanguva promised to be a visual spectacle and a game-changer in Tamil cinema.

The film’s plot revolves around themes of heroism, destiny, and love, set in a fictional, visually opulent world. With Suriya playing two distinct characters across different time periods, Kanguva explores a storyline rich in mythology and action. The narrative combines high-octane battle sequences with moments of emotional depth, supported by a strong musical score by Devi Sri Prasad.

Production and Budget:
Kanguva was reportedly made on a massive budget of ₹350 crore, making it one of the most expensive films in Tamil cinema. The production featured cutting-edge VFX, elaborate set designs, and meticulous costume work to create its grand visual appeal.

Initial Reception:
The film was released in November 2024 amidst high expectations. However, the critical and audience responses were mixed. While many praised the film’s grandeur and Suriya’s performance, others pointed out flaws such as a weak screenplay, overly dramatic sound design, and insufficient development of supporting characters. At the box office, the film managed to collect only ₹96 crore worldwide, far below its production budget. Despite the lukewarm reception, Kanguva left a lasting impression on its viewers due to its ambitious scope and cinematic scale.

Eligibility for Oscars 2025

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently announced a list of 323 feature films that are eligible for the 97th Academy Awards. Among these, 207 films met the criteria for the Best Picture category. Kanguva is one of the five Indian films on this list, alongside Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life), Santosh, Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, All We Imagine as Light, and Girls Will Be Girls.

What Makes a Film Eligible for Oscars?
To be eligible for the Oscars, a film must meet specific criteria set by the Academy. These include:

  • The film must have been publicly screened in a commercial theater for paid admission in Los Angeles County for at least seven consecutive days.
  • The film must be released between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024.
  • It should adhere to the Academy’s rules for content, format, and screening locations.

Kanguva has evidently fulfilled these requirements, allowing it to be part of this prestigious list.

Reactions from Fans and Netizens

The announcement of Kanguva’s eligibility has led to a flurry of reactions on social media platforms. The responses can be broadly categorized into three groups: excitement, surprise, and skepticism.

Excitement and Pride:
Fans of Suriya, often referred to as “Suriya’s Army,” have expressed immense pride and joy over this achievement. Many see it as a recognition of Suriya’s talent and the hard work that went into making Kanguva. Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook have been flooded with celebratory messages, fan edits, and hashtags like #KanguvaAtOscars and #ProudOfSuriya trending for hours.

A Twitter user wrote: “Kanguva making it to the Oscar eligibility list is a testament to the growing global appeal of Indian cinema. Suriya deserves this and more. #KanguvaAtOscars”

Surprise and Skepticism:
On the other hand, some netizens have expressed surprise and even doubt over the film’s inclusion. Given its underwhelming box office performance and mixed reviews, a section of the audience finds its eligibility unexpected.

One Reddit user commented: “While I respect Suriya as an actor, Kanguva did not live up to the hype. Its inclusion in the Oscars’ eligibility list is surprising. But hey, art is subjective, and who knows what the Academy saw in it?”

Comparisons with Other Indian Films:
Kanguva’s eligibility has also sparked debates about its place among other Indian films in the running, especially the critically acclaimed Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life). Many believe that Aadujeevitham, directed by Blessy and starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, has a stronger chance of making it to the final nominations, given its critical acclaim and impactful storytelling.

The Road Ahead: Oscar Nominations

While being on the eligibility list is a significant achievement, it does not guarantee a nomination. The next steps in the Oscar process include:

Voting for Nominations:
Members of the Academy will vote to decide the final list of nominees. This process begins on January 8, 2025, and concludes on January 12, 2025.

Announcement of Nominations:
The final nominations for the 97th Academy Awards will be announced on January 17, 2025.

Oscar Ceremony:
The Oscars will take place on March 2, 2025, at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood.

While it remains uncertain whether Kanguva will secure a nomination, its inclusion in the eligibility list is already a matter of pride for Tamil cinema and Indian filmmaking at large.

Significance of Kanguva’s Achievement

Kanguva’s presence in the Oscar eligibility list reflects the growing recognition of Indian cinema on the global stage. In recent years, Indian films such as RRR, The Lunchbox, and Lagaan have paved the way for international acclaim. Kanguva’s inclusion reinforces this trend, showcasing the diversity and ambition of Indian filmmakers.

For Suriya, who has consistently delivered powerful performances in films like Soorarai Pottru and Jai Bhim, this milestone adds another feather to his cap. It underscores his commitment to taking on challenging roles and pushing the boundaries of Tamil cinema.

Conclusion

Kanguva’s journey to the Oscar 2025 contenders list is a remarkable achievement, especially for a film that faced mixed reviews and box office challenges. Its inclusion is a testament to the film’s ambitious storytelling and Suriya’s star power. While the road to an Oscar nomination is uncertain, the global recognition of Kanguva marks a proud moment for Indian cinema and sets the stage for more Tamil films to make their mark internationally.

Whether or not Kanguva ultimately secures a nomination, its place on the Oscar eligibility list is a celebration of art, ambition, and the universal appeal of storytelling.