Kanguva producer's wife Neha Gnanavel says Disha Patani was in the Suriya starrer to 'look pretty': 'She can't be in...'

After the release of Kanguva, Tamil star Suriya's ambitious fantasy epic, the film has become the subject of heated discussions. Directed by Siva, the grand saga, set over a thousand years, was met with disappointment from both critics and audiences.
As the backlash against Kanguva grew, Jyotika, Suriya’s wife, took to social media to defend both the actor and the film, urging audiences to recognise the scale and effort involved in the project. However, the situation intensified when Neha Gnanavel, wife of the film's producer KE Gnanavel Raja, joined the conversation on X (formerly Twitter).

In her response, Neha defended the film and addressed criticism of the character Angela, played by Disha Patani, dismissing the idea that her role was merely to "look pretty." She emphasized that the film was about much more than just that.
Neha Gnanavel’s comments on Angela’s character in Kanguva sparked backlash online, with many accusing her of downplaying the role and reinforcing negative stereotypes of female characters in films. Responding to criticism about Angela's limited role, Neha defended the character, saying, 'Because Angela’s character is not the whole movie kanguva is about!!! Angela can’t be in 2.5 hours of film!! Basic🤦🏽‍♀️ so yes, she was there to look pretty!!! It’s one brain and perspective (director) presenting to crores of audiences! We welcome criticism not targeted propaganda!!'

Kanguva, with a budget exceeding Rs 350 crore, was filmed across various countries and locations in India. The epic stars Suriya, Disha Patani, Natarajan Subramaniam, Jagapathi Babu, and Yogi Babu, with Bobby Deol playing the antagonist. Set 1,500 years ago, the film showcases grand battle scenes and impressive visuals. Directed by Siva, Kanguva is a high-budget fantasy drama that has stirred controversy for its storytelling and execution
On the other hand, 'Kanguva' has collected Rs 53.85 crores in 4 days despite mixed reviews. The movie stars Suriya, Bobby Deol, and Disha Patani in major roles.
Etimes review for 'Kanguva reads, "Props to the acting, you also get a few emotional sequences. But the grand visuals – Vetri Palanisamy captures the bright streets of Goa and the scenic visuals of the past world aesthetically – and impressive fights are all you get in Kanguva, as the story meanders a lot without a central focus. For instance, after announcing a war, Suriya is temporarily exiled from his village for a few reasons. And immediately, we get a song where Suriya and the little kid are reconnecting. Now, as previously said, the bond between them is central to the whole film."