Film: Kuberaa
Release Date: June 20, 2025
Rating: 3/5
Starring: Dhanush, Nagarjuna, Rashmika Mandanna, Jim Sarbh, Dalip Tahil, Sayaji Shinde, and Others
Director: Sekhar Kammula
Producers: Suniel Narang, Puskur Ram Mohan Rao, Ajay Kaikala
Music Director: Devi Sri Prasad
Cinematographer: Niketh Bommireddy
Editor: Karthika Srinivas
The highly anticipated collaboration between National Award winner Dhanush and acclaimed director Sekhar Kammula, 'Kuberaa,' has finally arrived in theaters, with King Nagarjuna in a pivotal role adding significant weight. The film entered the screens today amidst a fair amount of buzz. Does this intriguing blend of talent and unique premise live up to expectations? Let’s delve into our detailed review.
Story
'Kuberaa' plunges us into a high-stakes world where Neeraj Mitra (Jim Sarbh), a powerful and ruthless businessman, uncovers a rare oil reserve in the Bay of Bengal. Driven by ambition for wealth, influence, and political control, he orchestrates a covert mission with the backing of top-tier leaders. For this audacious plan, he enlists Deepak (Nagarjuna), a once-principled CBI officer now imprisoned for his defiance against corruption. With limited options, Deepak agrees, his moral compass conflicted by circumstance.
Deepak assembles an unlikely team of beggars from across the country to execute the task discreetly. Among them is Deva (Dhanush), an inherently kind and innocent soul unaware of the dangerous game he's been drawn into. However, when Deva uncovers a plot to eliminate him, he makes a daring escape. This triggers a relentless manhunt, as Neeraj and Deepak race to capture him before the truth unravels. On the run, Deva encounters Sameera (Rashmika Mandanna). What follows is a compelling journey of survival, burgeoning trust, and the discovery of inner strength. As layers of secrecy peel away and loyalties are tested, 'Kuberaa' powerfully explores the true cost of power and the fight to preserve humanity amidst overwhelming greed.
On the Strengths
Dhanush is undeniably the heart and soul of 'Kuberaa.' He doesn’t merely perform; he transforms into Deva, portraying the humble and innocent beggar with breathtaking grace and authenticity. His subtle mannerisms, profound vulnerability, and quiet resilience are rendered with such depth that he commands every frame. This is a performance that resonates deeply and stands as one of his most sincere and potentially award-worthy acts.
Nagarjuna, in a rare portrayal of moral ambiguity, delivers a nuanced and honest performance as Deepak. He is not a villain, but rather a man caught in the clutches of a corrupt system. Once an upright officer, Deepak is forced to compromise his ideals, and Nagarjuna captures this internal moral struggle with remarkable restraint, embodying a man torn between self-preservation and conscience. His scenes alongside Dhanush are particularly impactful, imbued with a quiet emotional weight.
Jim Sarbh, despite having limited screen time, shines brightly as the driven and cunning Neeraj. His intense presence and understated stillness lend significant gravity to the role, especially in the film's climax. His acceptance of the consequences in the final moments adds a quiet power to his character's arc.
Rashmika Mandanna delivers a relatively straightforward performance, but her natural chemistry with Dhanush injects much-needed lightness into an otherwise intense narrative. Their interactions provide moments of humor and warmth, offering a welcome reprieve.
One of the film's most significant strengths lies in its final act. The sequences leading into and culminating in the climax are exceptionally gripping and emotionally rich. Sekhar Kammula skillfully weaves in pertinent social commentary, heightened emotional tension, and powerful dialogues without ever resorting to overt sermonizing. The thoughtful craftsmanship in his writing is truly evident here.
Areas for Improvement
While the core narrative of 'Kuberaa' is promising, the first half struggles with its pacing. It takes a considerable amount of time to find its rhythm, and certain scenes feel unnecessarily extended. Though essential for world-building, these instances occasionally impede the narrative flow and can test the audience's patience.
A few sequences come across as repetitive, which affects the overall momentum. A more precise and tighter editing in the initial half could have significantly enhanced its impact and kept the audience more consistently engaged.
The emotional dynamic between Deepak and Deva, while effective in certain moments, could have been explored with greater depth. Their evolving bond held the potential to elevate the dramatic stakes even further. Similarly, Rashmika’s character, while charming, could have been utilized more robustly to propel the story or introduce new dimensions, but she remains somewhat limited to a supporting capacity.
Technical Craftsmanship
Sekhar Kammula deserves commendation for venturing into new thematic territory. His handling of such a complex subject is both sensitive and bold, with characters that are richly layered and multifaceted. His refreshing decision to depict heroic figures with shades of grey, and his ability to execute emotional beats effectively, stand out.
Niketh Bommireddy’s cinematography is visually striking. From the raw authenticity of street scenes to the expansive vistas of oil rigs, every frame is meticulously composed. Karthika Srinivas’s editing is competent, though, as noted, a crisper first half would have certainly benefited the overall pace.
Devi Sri Prasad’s background score significantly elevates the film's mood, particularly during intense sequences. His music adds considerable emotional depth without ever overpowering the visuals. The production values are consistently solid, reflecting the film's grand scale. Special appreciation must be extended to the art department and make-up teams for their exceptional work in authentically presenting the characters and crafting a believable, immersive world.
Final Verdict
Overall, 'Kuberaa' stands as a sincere, engaging, and emotionally charged drama that thoughtfully tackles universal themes of poverty, power, and the enduring human spirit. Its greatest assets are the outstanding performances, particularly from Dhanush, who delivers a truly stunning and memorable act, and Nagarjuna, who impresses in a morally complex and nuanced role. Jim Sarbh adds further intensity and conviction, and the film culminates in a powerful and emotionally resonant climax.
While 'Kuberaa' is not without its imperfections—a slow opening half, some moments of repetition, and a few underutilized characters—the core strength of its narrative remains undeniable. Sekhar Kammula has delivered a meaningful and thought-provoking film that masterfully blends deep human emotion with social realism. In the end, 'Kuberaa' proves to be a rewarding cinematic experience. For those who appreciate layered storytelling, relevant themes, and top-tier acting, this is a film that demands to be seen. Don’t miss it.
Rating: 3/5
