Kuberaa Movie Review

Cast – Dhanush, Nagarjuna, Rashmika Mandanna, Jim Sarbh, Sayaji Shinde, Dalip Tahil, Sunaina, Hareesh Peradi, Shravani
Directors – Sekhar Kammula
Producers – Suniel Narang, Puskur Ram Mohan Rao
Banner – Sree Venkateswara Cinemas LLP
Music – Devi Sri Prasad
Runtime – 3 hrs 2 mins
Genre – Crime Drama, Thriller
Release Date – 20 June 2025

Background
Kuberaa marks a bold departure for director Sekhar Kammula, known for his tender family dramas. This time, he plunges into the murky world of financial crime and moral ambiguity. The film is set against the backdrop of a covert operation involving black money laundering through benami accounts. Dhanush plays Deva, a beggar with a photographic memory, whose life takes a dramatic turn when he’s pulled into a high-stakes syndicate. Nagarjuna portrays Deepak, a former CBI officer with a morally grey past. Rashmika Mandanna adds emotional depth as Sameera, a woman caught between survival and conscience. Jim Sarbh’s portrayal of Neeraj Mitra, a ruthless tycoon, adds chilling intensity. The film explores themes of power, poverty, and the cost of ambition. Shot simultaneously in Telugu and Tamil, Kuberaa is a pan-Indian attempt to blend social commentary with cinematic thrills. The narrative is layered, the tone is brooding, and the stakes are high. With a strong ensemble cast and a haunting score, Kuberaa aims to provoke thought while delivering gripping drama.

Plot
Deva, a slum-dweller with an uncanny memory, is recruited into a secret financial operation led by Deepak and Neeraj. The plan involves laundering ₹50,000 crores through fake companies and foreign accounts using beggars as benami holders. As the operation unfolds, Deva begins to question the morality of his role. When the syndicate decides to eliminate the pawns, Deva escapes with access to ₹10,000 crores. The chase begins. Deepak and Neeraj hunt him across continents. Meanwhile, Sameera, a middle-class woman, becomes entangled in Deva’s journey. The climax reveals Deva’s true intentions and the emotional cost of his choices. Kuberaa ends on a note of introspection, asking whether redemption is possible in a world built on exploitation.

Artists Performances
Dhanush delivers a restrained yet emotionally resonant performance, transforming convincingly from a beggar to a financial ghost. Nagarjuna surprises with a stoic portrayal of Deepak, balancing authority with vulnerability. Rashmika Mandanna brings charm and innocence, her expressions adding warmth to an otherwise grim narrative. Jim Sarbh is menacing and magnetic, his quiet intensity elevating the antagonist’s role. Sayaji Shinde and Dalip Tahil lend credibility to their supporting roles. Sunaina and Hareesh Peradi add texture, though their screen time is limited. Shravani’s brief appearance leaves a lasting impression. The ensemble cast works in harmony, each contributing to the film’s emotional weight. Performances anchor the story even when the pacing falters.

Technicalities
Sekhar Kammula’s direction is ambitious, blending realism with stylized storytelling. Niketh Bommireddy’s cinematography is moody and evocative, using shadows and contrast to reflect the characters’ duality. Devi Sri Prasad’s background score is subtle yet impactful, enhancing tension without overpowering scenes. The editing by Karthik Srinivas could have been tighter, especially in the second half. Production design captures the grit of slums and the gloss of corporate corridors. Costume choices reflect character arcs, from Deva’s tattered clothes to Neeraj’s tailored suits. Sound design adds depth, especially during chase sequences. VFX is minimal but effective, used sparingly to maintain realism. Dialogues are sharp, occasionally poetic, and rooted in regional authenticity. Overall, the technical team supports the director’s vision with finesse.

Positives

• Dhanush’s nuanced performance adds emotional gravity.
• Cinematography and music elevate the film’s mood.
• The concept of laundering through beggars is fresh and provocative.
• Rashmika’s character adds a human touch to the gritty narrative.

Negatives

• The second half loses momentum with uneven pacing.
• Supporting characters lack depth and development.
• The climax feels rushed and emotionally underwhelming.

Analysis
Kuberaa is a film that dares to ask uncomfortable questions. It’s not a commercial potboiler, but a slow-burning drama that explores the underbelly of wealth and morality. The first half sets up the world meticulously, introducing characters and stakes with precision. Dhanush’s transformation is gradual and believable, his internal conflict portrayed with subtlety. Nagarjuna’s Deepak is a man torn between duty and survival, and his scenes with Dhanush crackle with tension. Rashmika’s Sameera offers relief from the film’s darkness, her innocence contrasting with the cynicism around her. Jim Sarbh’s Neeraj is terrifying in his calm ruthlessness, a symbol of unchecked ambition. The screenplay is layered, though it occasionally meanders. The pacing dips post-interval, with some scenes feeling repetitive. However, the emotional beats land well, especially in Deva’s interactions with animals and children. The film’s strength lies in its performances and thematic depth. Technically, it’s polished, with cinematography and music working in tandem to create atmosphere. Kuberaa doesn’t spoon-feed its audience; it demands attention and reflection. The climax, while flawed, ties up loose ends and leaves room for interpretation. It’s a film that stays with you, not because of its twists, but because of its questions. Kuberaa is a bold step for Sekhar Kammula, and while it stumbles, it never loses sight of its intent. It’s 70% compelling and 30% uneven, but worth watching for its ambition and heart.

Final verdict – Kuberaa is a gritty, thought-provoking drama that rewards patient viewers.

Rating – 3.25/5