Suriya’s 'Kanguva' secures a spot in Oscars 2025 contenders list; Netizens find it surprising

In a surprising twist of events, Suriya’s film Kanguva has made it to the prestigious list of contenders for the Oscars 2025. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently unveiled a list of 323 eligible feature films, including 207 vying for the Best Picture category. Among these are six Indian films, one of which is the Tamil-language historical fantasy Kanguva.

This announcement has taken fans and critics alike by surprise, as Kanguva was initially met with a lukewarm reception upon its release. Despite being touted as a blockbuster before hitting theaters, the film struggled to make a significant impact. Complaints about an overwhelming sound design and insufficient screen time for supporting characters dampened audience enthusiasm. These issues, coupled with mixed reviews from critics, resulted in an underwhelming box office performance.

Directed by Siruthai Siva and starring Suriya, Bobby Deol, and Disha Patani, Kanguva was produced on a massive budget of Rs. 350 crore. However, its theatrical run ended with collections of only Rs. 96 crore, falling short of the expected Rs. 100 crore milestone. Fans had anticipated a stronger performance from the film, given its extensive promotional campaign and star-studded cast.

Shortly after its theatrical release, Kanguva premiered on Amazon Prime Video on December 8, offering audiences another chance to experience the film. Although the digital release brought renewed attention, the film’s overall reception remained mixed.

Despite these setbacks, the inclusion of Kanguva in the Oscars 2025 contenders list marks a remarkable achievement for the film and its team. This unexpected development has sparked celebrations among Suriya’s fans, who have expressed pride in seeing the movie reach a global stage.

India’s Representation at the Oscars

Kanguva joins a group of five other Indian films competing for a spot in the Best Picture category, showcasing the diversity of Indian cinema. The list includes Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life), Santosh, Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, All We Imagine as Light, and Girls Will Be Girls. Each film brings unique storytelling and cultural perspectives to the global stage.

With the Oscars just two months away, anticipation is building to see which films will ultimately secure nominations.