Sumo Movie Review: A Lost Opportunity Wrapped in Weak Humor and Outdated Storytelling

Sumo (2025) – A Comedy That Misses the Mark

Director: SP Hosimin
Cast: Shiva, Priya Anand, Yoshinori Tashiro, VTV Ganesh, Yogi Babu, Sathish
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

Introduction: When A Unique Idea Fails in Execution

Sumo promised something different—a tale of friendship and cultural crossover featuring a Japanese sumo wrestler washed ashore in Tamil Nadu. But what could have been a heartwarming story of love and brotherhood is lost in a sea of lazy jokes, predictable plotlines, and rudimentary storytelling. Directed by SP Hosimin, the film struggles to rise above mediocrity.

Plot Summary: Brotherhood, But Without Heart

The story centers around Ganesh AKA Tashiro (Yoshinori Tashiro), a Japanese sumo wrestler who loses his memory and intelligence after an accident. Washed ashore in Tamil Nadu, he is taken in by Shiva (played by Shiva) and his friends. As they try to discover Tashiro’s real identity and help him reclaim his wrestling glory, the film tries to drive home the message that true love and brotherhood can come from the unlikeliest of places.

Unfortunately, while this core theme had potential, it gets buried under a chaotic screenplay, unfunny gags, and surface-level emotions that fail to connect with the audience.

Performances: Wasted Potential

Shiva, known for his parody style and self-aware humor, feels miscast as an action hero with forced emotional scenes. His surfboard entry scene sets the tone for the film’s over-the-top and ineffective attempts at grandeur. Priya Anand, in a forgettable role, and comedians like Yogi Babu and VTV Ganesh are reduced to delivering slapstick comedy that falls flat.

Yoshinori Tashiro, the sumo wrestler, is sadly turned into a caricature. The film body-shames him in the name of humor, referring to him as ‘manitha thimingalam’ and ‘gundu payyan’, stripping away the dignity the character deserved.

Storytelling & Screenplay: All Over the Place

The screenplay jumps from sumo wrestling to TikTok songs to melodramatic moments without any coherence. The side plots—like Yogi Babu wooing Priya Anand’s character and Sathish’s police station antics—add nothing but noise. Musical numbers are overused, seemingly to fill gaps where solid storytelling should have been.

Even the climactic sumo championship scenes—meant to evoke excitement—feel distant and uninspired.

Technical Aspects: Flash Without Substance

The film is loud—in both sound design and effects—but rarely effective. Lightning strikes, random villain appearances, and jarring song sequences overwhelm rather than entertain. The cinematography and editing fail to lift the weak narrative, making the film feel longer than its runtime.

Why Sumo Fails to Connect: Dated and Hollow

One reason for the film’s disjointed nature could be its delayed release—shot years ago and shelved until now. But even that doesn’t excuse its lack of emotional depth or fresh humor. As audience tastes have evolved, Sumo remains stuck in the past, relying on outdated tropes and fat jokes that no longer amuse or resonate.

Final Verdict: A Forgettable Comedy That Lacks Soul

Despite a unique premise blending Japanese sumo culture with Tamil cinema, Sumo sadly becomes a lost opportunity. Weak humor, shallow characters, and an incoherent story drag the film down. What could’ve been a memorable comedy about friendship and acceptance ends up as an outdated, emotionless mess.

Overall Rating: 2 out of 5 Stars

Pros:
✅ Unique concept with cross-cultural potential
✅ A few light moments here and there

Cons:
❌ Weak screenplay and outdated humor
❌ Poor handling of sensitive themes like body image
❌ Forgettable performances and underused cast
❌ Overloaded with unnecessary songs and side plots

Should You Watch It?

Only if you’re curious about seeing a Japanese sumo wrestler in Tamil cinema—or if you enjoy Shiva’s quirky comedy style. Otherwise, Sumo can easily be skipped for fresher, more heartfelt entertainers.