Kanguva has arrived like a storm, not only conquering the masses but also ruling the box office worldwide. While the film has captivated audiences with its breathtaking visuals and storytelling, it has also sparked an intriguing question: Is the film set in Mumbai?
In Kanguva, the story unfolds around five distinct islands, each ruled by a different tribe, that stand as a microcosm of the ancient and strategic importance of what is today Mumbai. This setting draws inspiration from the historical period when the Portuguese began their conquest of the seven islands of Bombay in the 16th century. Much like how the Portuguese infiltrated and gradually dominated the islands, the tribes in Kanguva are under threat from foreign invaders seeking control. The five tribes, each with its unique culture, strengths, and defenses, mirror the diverse communities that once thrived on the islands of Mumbai, from the Koli fishermen to the local farmers and traders.
The conquerors in the film symbolize the Portuguese colonizers, whose presence in the region disrupted the delicate balance of power between the native tribes. Through this narrative, Kanguva weaves a historical thread of resistance, survival, and the fight to preserve the identity of these islands against foreign domination, much like the struggle faced by the native populations of Mumbai centuries ago. Given these parallels, one wonders—could the story of Kanguva actually be based on Mumbai?
Moreover, the film has been shot across seven different countries on various continents of India. The makers had a very specific look in mind, as this is a very unique film showing the prehistoric period. The makers hired experts from Hollywood for the technical departments like action and cinematography. The film has one of the biggest war sequences, featuring over 10,000 people. Studio Green has signed up with top distribution houses to release the film on a massive scale across the globe. The film was released on 14 November 2024.