BOTTOM LINE
Emotionally Fresh, Powerfully Performed
RATING
3/5
CENSOR
U/A, 3h 13m
What Is the Film About?
Kuberaa explores the conflict between the ultra-rich and the extremely poor. At the heart of the story is Deepak (Nagarjuna), a CBI officer who masterminds a massive scandal and recruits beggars as part of his plan. The narrative follows how Deva (Dhanush), one of the beggars, ultimately turns the tables and teaches the powerful a fitting lesson. At a high level, this forms the core of Kuberaa’s plot.
Kuberaa primarily rests on the shoulders of two central characters portrayed by Nagarjuna and Dhanush — and both fit their roles to the core.
Starting with Nagarjuna, he plays his part with remarkable restraint. His dialogue delivery is intentionally toned down, his body language is composed, and his styling aligns perfectly with the subtle expressions required by the role. Everything about his performance is on point. At no moment does it feel like he is trying to be any different here. This role is sure to earn him considerable goodwill — a much-needed relief for the senior star who’s been going through a rough patch in recent years.
Coming to Dhanush — there are simply no two ways about it. He owns the character of a beggar with complete conviction. Not for a single moment does it feel like he’s pretending or “acting” on screen. He embodies the character so deeply that it feels like second nature. His performance is top-notch, once again reinforcing why he’s considered one of the finest actors of this generation in Indian cinema.
And especially the subtle hand gestures reflecting a slight physical handicap, is a masterclass in performance. The consistency with which he carries those movements throughout the film is a testament to his craft. It’s yet another reminder of why there’s no one quite like Dhanush, and why so many actors aspire to reach his level of authenticity and dedication.
Rashmika Mandanna appears in the second half with a fair amount of screen time. While there’s nothing particularly wrong with her performance, it lacks the distinctiveness often seen in Sekhar Kammula’s female characters. Compared to the acting feel brought in by Nagarjuna and Dhanush, Rashmika’s performance feels a bit too familiar — she sticks to her usual style rather than offering something layered or fresh. It’s an area that comes off as slightly underwhelming.
Kuberaa is directed by Sekhar Kammula and this time he takes a complete detour from the feel-good films he’s known for. Right from the start, the film opens on an intriguing note — a ₹1 lakh crore scam, filthy rich entrepreneurs in search of Benamis, and a dangerous plan sketched with the help of Deepak played by Nagarjuna. The story dives into action from the word go.
The initial portions, where Deepak (Nag) proposes the masterplan of using beggars as Benamis, bring novelty but lack solid writing and detailing. However, what follows quickly makes up for it. The emotional depth begins to take shape with the introduction of the beggars’ world, Dhanush’s character, his background, and the soulful song (Naa Koduka) that ties it all together. These elements effectively cover up early flaws in the writing.
Even though the transformation of the beggars is handled lightly and not deeply explored, it still works in keeping the narrative afloat and engaging. The scam — how the beggars become Benamis, how their lives shift after completing their roles — adds tension and emotional gravity to the story.
While Kammula doesn’t dive deep into the financial intricacies or how the companies are framed, the nature of the scam itself, and the emotional thread running through the beggar characters, holds the audience’s interest.
However, Rashmika’s introduction just before the interval disrupts the tempo that was carefully built until that point. Fortunately, the momentum is restored with a gripping interval block, highlighted by a powerfully picturized and intense dog fight sequence. Though violent, it lands well emotionally, as the target is someone the audience has grown to dislike through his actions.
Overall, the first half of Kuberaa works quite well. While it doesn’t offer much depth on the financial scam angle and stays at a high-concept level, its emotional core — rooted in the beggar world — and the freshness of the setup keep it engaging and impactful.
The second half of Kuberaa largely builds on the foundation laid in the first half, focusing on the consequences Deva’s (Dhanush) character must face. His struggle to escape life-threatening danger, his gradual understanding of the crores he unknowingly possesses, and the perspective of a beggar grappling with such an overwhelming fortune — these elements keep the narrative flowing. While the pacing feels dragged at times, the core intrigue remains alive and holds the viewer’s attention.
Amidst this, we get a few strong emotional beats that land well. The track involving the pregnant beggar girl is particularly impactful, as is the song Poyiraa Mama, which Dhanush delivers with remarkable expression — a standout moment for those who value emotional depth.
Nagarjuna’s character arc and the eventual realization he comes to add weight, even if not all conclusions are fully satisfying in terms of writing. One of the more cinematic yet symbolically strong sequences — where a beggar brings the richest of the rich to the streets — works visually, even if it lacks full believability in writing. Still, it provides a satisfying dramatic payoff.
In the end, the film offers a short yet powerful justification for the title Kuberaa, and it is here that writer-director Sekhar Kammula truly shines. His ability to tie it all together in the final stretch reinforces the film’s emotional intention, leaving a lasting impression.
Overall, Kuberaa offers a completely fresh plot, with neatly written drama and emotions that consistently work, making it a satisfying theatrical watch.
Performances by Others Actors
Apart from the main leads Nagarjuna and Dhanush, Kuberaa features a very selective supporting cast. Jim Sarbh stands out as a greedy, filthy-rich businessman — a role he fits perfectly. His casting is spot-on, and he blends seamlessly into the film’s high-end corporate world.
Other notable names include Sayaji Shinde, Dalip Tahil, and Sunaina who appears in a brief role — all of whom deliver their parts effectively. While there are a few other supporting characters, Kuberaa largely relies on a limited cast, staying focused on its core story and lead performances. It is another big win for director Sekhar Kammula, who pulled off the entire plot with very few characters.
The music for Kuberaa is composed by Devi Sri Prasad. While the songs may not stand out as much when heard as standalone audio, they work effectively within the narrative. The situational placement of the songs enhances their emotional impact, making them resonate more during the film.
Special credit must also go to the lyricists — their words are not only well-written but also perfectly suited for the film’s tone and subject.
When it comes to the background score, Devi Sri Prasad proves to be a major asset. From start to finish, his score elevates the film, setting the right mood for every scene — whether it’s emotional, tense, or dramatic. His contribution adds immense value, and every penny spent on his work feels justified.
The cinematography by Niketh Bommi is highly impressive, giving Kuberaa a visually authentic feel from start to finish. As widely known, the film was shot in several real-world and corporate locations, and both settings come across as genuine and immersive. Niketh successfully brings Sekhar Kammula’s vision to life on screen.
On the editing front, the film does feel a bit lengthy. While this may have been a creative decision made jointly by the director and editor, a slightly trimmed version would have made the viewing experience tighter and more enjoyable.
The production values, backed by Sree Venkateswara Cinemas and Amigos Creations are commendable. Though Kuberaa isn’t an action-heavy film, the emotionally driven drama is supported by strong visual quality and scale. The investment clearly shows on screen, making the film rich and appealing in its presentation.
Highlights?
Dhanush’s terrific performance
Nagarjuna’s age-appropriate and subtle act
Fresh and engaging plot
Strong writing
Well-handled emotions
Drawbacks?
Runtime feels lengthy
Cinematic, but the closure isn’t smooth — though it works
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, just a heads-up about the runtime — it’s lengthy, but it compensates with strong writing, performances, and emotions.
Kuberaa Movie Review by M9
Final Report: #Kuberaa — Different. Delivered.
Sekhar Kammula brings a fresh and emotionally driven film, supported by neat writing and an engaging narrative. Some might find it lengthy, but it’s definitely worth a watch. The film ends with a fitting justification for its title, Kuberaa.
Stay tuned for the full review shortly.
First Half Report:
The scandal setup in the beggar backdrop not only brings freshness but also adds emotional weight. Nag and Dhanush fit their roles perfectly, but it’s Dhanush who stands out — pulling off the beggar role with conviction. DSP has been a valuable asset, and Sekhar Kammula’s writing is neat and focused.
However, Rashmika’s introduction just before the interval diluted the tempo. If the second half lands the emotional punch, we might just have a winner. Stay tuned.
— Kuberaa begins with a massive scam involving 14 trillion cubic feet of fuel. Stay tuned for the report.
Director Sekhar Kammula, who earned massive respect through his work, returns this time with a very serious subject. Did he deliver? Stay tuned for Kuberaa movie review from the U.S. premiere. The show begins at 5 PM EST, which is 2:30 AM IST.
Cast – Nagarjuna Akkineni, Dhanush, Rashmika Mandanna, Jim Sarbh
Director – Sekhar Kammula
Banners – Sree Venkateswara Cinemas LLP, Amigos Creations Pvt Ltd
Producers – Suniel Narang, Puskur Ram Mohan Rao
Presented by – Sonali Narang
Music – Devi Sri Prasad
Cinematographer – Niketh Bommi
Editor – Karthika Srinivas R
U.S. Distributor: Prathyangira Cinemas
Kuberaa Movie Review by M9
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