Sumo Movie Review: A Comedy That Loses Its Way Amid Forced Drama

Sumo, directed by SP Hosimin, starts with a quirky and absurd premise — a Chennai surfer named Shiva (played by Shiva) befriends Ganesh, a Japanese sumo wrestler with the mental age of a toddler. The initial setup promises lighthearted fun, but the film quickly spirals into confusion. Instead of embracing the absurdity, Sumo constantly shifts tone between comedy and unnecessary emotional drama, making it a frustrating experience. Despite the presence of experienced comedians like VTV Ganesh and Yogi Babu, the humor feels forced, and many jokes fall flat. Priya Anand, cast as Shiva’s girlfriend, is woefully underused, leaving her character feeling like an afterthought.

The film tries too hard to inject seriousness into an otherwise silly plot, with emotional detours that disrupt the flow. Moments that should have been breezy and hilarious are dragged down by attempts to create depth where none is needed. Nivas K Prasanna's background score often exaggerates these emotions, further worsening the uneven tone. The absurdities, like enrolling Ganesh in an idly-eating contest or discovering his Japanese identity through a random flag encounter, could have been charming if the film fully committed to its madness. Instead, these scenes highlight the inconsistencies and the lack of clear direction.

When the story moves to Japan, there’s a slight hope that Sumo will redeem itself, but even these portions feel clumsily executed. What should have been a wild, no-holds-barred comedy ends up feeling like a string of random skits. There are a few genuinely funny one-liners from Shiva, but they are not enough to save the movie. Ultimately, Sumo wastes its talented cast and an interesting concept, leaving the audience wondering what could have been. Despite occasional laughs, Sumo earns a disappointing 2-star rating for its squandered potential and lack of focus.