It's very difficult to classify "Cargo" as it does not fit into conventional mainstream cinema nor it is a parallel cinema. "Cargo" is not an experimental film like "Ugly" either as similar ideas have surfaced abundantly in Hollywood's B-graded low budgeted flicks since the 1980s. Only the novelty factor of mythology catching up with technology appeals in this somewhat dull film.
The problem with "Cargo" is that, the storyline & screenplay would have been an awe factor, if the movie had been shot and presented to "Doordarshan" audiences way back in the 80s or 90s, But for 2019, where most of today's tech savvy next generation, wouldn't even know how Yamaraj even works. It is a tall Order on the director Arathi Kadav's part to pitch this movie to the younger generation. As once the "novelty in the concept" wears out in the first 40 minutes it becomes very monotonous and rudimentary.
The next problem would be its budget, if it was on the higher side, maybe some better production design and props would have definitely made the story a little more convincing, but the a terrible production design put "cargo" completely down. Vikranth Massey & Swetha Tripathi put up a brave show despite completely bad odds set against them, but couldn't save the day for "Cargo". It would have also helped if the movie was about 90 minutes or so but at 114 minutes, the movie will test your patience a little.
Overall the movie would definitely might work for senior citizens, and a smaller set of audiences. "Cargo" presents a small novelty factor and some cool set of uniforms, apart from that I am afraid the viewer might stand dissatisfied. Watch it when you have nothing else to watch.
