
Released on June 20, 2025, Kuberaa, directed by Sekhar Kammula, is a pan-Indian socio-political thriller that has taken audiences by storm. Starring Dhanush, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Rashmika Mandanna, Jim Sarbh, and Dalip Tahil, this multilingual film (released in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam) dives deep into themes of ambition, greed, and moral conflict. With a runtime of approximately 3 hours, Kuberaa blends intense drama, stellar performances, and a thought-provoking narrative, making it a standout in 2025’s cinematic landscape. Here’s a detailed review crafted for Indian audiences, capturing the film’s essence, strengths, and areas that fall short.

The Story: A Tale of Power and Transformation
Set against the gritty backdrop of Mumbai’s Dharavi slums and the polished world of corporate boardrooms, Kuberaa tells the story of Deva (Dhanush), a beggar whose life takes a dramatic turn when he becomes entangled in a massive financial scam. The mastermind, Deepak (Nagarjuna), a disillusioned CBI officer, uses beggars as proxies in a ₹1 lakh crore scandal involving oil reserves in the Bay of Bengal. Neeraj Mitra (Jim Sarbh), a cunning businessman, and Sameera (Rashmika Mandanna), Deva’s ally, add layers to this complex web of deceit, ambition, and redemption. The film explores how far one can go in the pursuit of wealth and power, delivering a poignant commentary on India’s socio-economic divide.
The narrative kicks off with a high-stakes scam, pulling viewers into a world where the ultra-poor and ultra-rich collide. Deva’s journey from the streets to a position of influence is both inspiring and tragic, making Kuberaa a unique blend of action, emotion, and social critique.
Performances: Dhanush Steals the Show
- Dhanush as Deva: Dhanush delivers a career-defining performance, embodying the raw vulnerability and fierce determination of a beggar-turned-game-changer. His authentic portrayal—complete with tattered clothes, a limping gait, and expressive eyes—makes Deva relatable and unforgettable. Scenes like Deva carrying a character with the “Shiva Stotram” playing in the background are cinematic gold, earning praise as “award-worthy.” Fans and critics alike are already calling for another National Award for Dhanush.
- Nagarjuna as Deepak: Nagarjuna shines as the morally conflicted CBI officer, bringing subtlety and depth to a role that could have easily been overplayed. His restrained dialogue delivery and composed body language make Deepak a compelling figure, torn between ideology and survival.
- Rashmika Mandanna as Sameera: Rashmika adds emotional weight to the story, particularly in scenes with Dhanush, but her role feels slightly underdeveloped compared to Kammula’s typically strong female characters. While her performance is natural and heartfelt, some critics note her character lacks the distinctiveness seen in films like Fidaa.
- Jim Sarbh as Neeraj Mitra: Sarbh is a standout as the greedy, calculating antagonist. His nuanced performance, complete with flawless Telugu dialogue, adds menace and intrigue to the corporate side of the story.
- Supporting Cast: Dalip Tahil, Sayaji Shinde, and others deliver solid performances, though their roles are limited. The selective ensemble ensures the focus remains on the leads.

Direction and Craft: Sekhar Kammula’s Bold Leap
Sekhar Kammula, known for feel-good dramas like Happy Days and Leader, takes a daring detour into gritty thriller territory with Kuberaa. His ability to weave emotional depth into a socio-political narrative is commendable. The film’s opening, which introduces a ₹1 lakh crore scam and the novel concept of using beggars as benamis, sets a fresh and engaging tone. Kammula’s signature emotional storytelling shines in the second half, with sequences like the dogfight and Deva’s transformation leaving a lasting impact.
The film’s visuals, shot across Hyderabad, Mumbai, Goa, and Bangkok by cinematographer Niketh Bommireddy, are world-class, balancing the rawness of slums with the sleekness of corporate offices. Karthika Srinivas’ editing keeps the narrative taut, though some scenes could have been trimmed for sharper pacing. Devi Sri Prasad’s (DSP) background score, especially the “Shiva Stotram” sequence, elevates the emotional stakes, though the songs, like “Poyivaa Nanba,” have been criticized for lacking memorability.
Strengths: What Makes Kuberaa Shine
- Powerful Performances: Dhanush and Nagarjuna anchor the film with exceptional acting, supported by a strong ensemble. Dhanush’s beggar role, in particular, is a masterclass in character immersion, resonating with Indian audiences familiar with stories of struggle and ambition.
- Relevant Themes: The film’s exploration of the rich-poor divide, corruption, and moral dilemmas feels deeply relevant in India, where economic disparity is a lived reality. The Dharavi setting adds authenticity and relatability.
- Emotional Depth: Kammula’s ability to blend action with emotion ensures Kuberaa is more than just a thriller. The second half’s emotionally charged sequences, like Deva’s struggles and the interval block, keep viewers hooked.
- Cinematic Craft: The stylish visuals, impactful background score, and tight screenplay create an immersive experience, making it ideal for theater viewing, especially in EPIQ formats.

Weaknesses: Where Kuberaa Falters
- Lengthy Runtime: At 3 hours and 1 minute (trimmed from 3 hours 15 minutes after 19 CBFC cuts), the film feels overlong. The initial 15–20 minutes drag, and the pre-climax and climax sequences seem rushed or predictable, diluting the impact.
- Underdeveloped Female Lead: Rashmika’s character, while emotionally engaging, lacks the depth of Kammula’s past heroines. Her introduction before the interval disrupts the film’s tempo.
- Limited Scam Details: The financial scam’s intricacies are glossed over, which may disappoint viewers expecting a more detailed crime thriller. Some cinematic liberties also weaken the narrative’s realism.
- Weak Music: DSP’s background score is a highlight, but the songs fail to leave a mark, reducing the film’s pre-release buzz compared to other pan-Indian releases.
Box Office and Reception
Kuberaa opened with a predicted ₹6–7.5 crore all-India collection on its first day, with advance bookings of ₹4 crore and over 12,000 tickets sold in 24 hours on BookMyShow. The Telugu states showed stronger response than Tamil Nadu, where limited marketing hurt buzz despite Dhanush’s star power. The film’s U/A rating and 13-minute-41-second CBFC cuts ensure it’s accessible yet intense. Industry trackers expect word-of-mouth to boost weekend collections, potentially crossing ₹10 crore if positive reviews continue. Overseas, the film crossed $250K in U.S. premiere pre-sales, with a 239% jump in 48 hours, signaling strong diaspora interest.
Amazon Prime Video secured the OTT rights for a reported ₹50 crore, one of the highest for a Telugu film, with streaming expected in July 2025. This deal underscores Kuberaa’s commercial appeal.
Critical and Audience Feedback
- Critics: Reviews range from 3/5 to 4.5/5. Actor-critic Kuldeep Gadhvi gave it 4.5/5, calling it a “visually rich, emotionally layered” thriller, while M9 News rated it 3/5 for its fresh plot. Cinejosh gave it 2.75/5, citing screenplay flaws. IMDb user ratings stand at 7.4/10.
- Audience on X: Fans praise Dhanush’s “award-winning” performance and Kammula’s direction, with posts calling it a “blockbuster” for its emotional second half. Some note the length and predictability as drawbacks but recommend it for its gripping narrative and DSP’s BGM.
Why Kuberaa Resonates with Indian Audiences
Kuberaa strikes a chord with Indian viewers due to its relatable themes of poverty, ambition, and systemic corruption. Dhanush’s portrayal of a beggar rising to challenge the powerful mirrors the aspirations of many in a country where social mobility is a dream. The Mumbai slum setting and pan-Indian release make it accessible across regions, with Telugu and Tamil audiences showing strong support. Nagarjuna’s Tollywood legacy and Rashmika’s youth appeal add to its draw, while Kammula’s reputation ensures trust in the storytelling.
Should You Watch It?
Kuberaa is a must-watch for fans of Dhanush, Nagarjuna, and Sekhar Kammula, as well as those who enjoy intense, character-driven thrillers. Its emotional depth and stellar performances outweigh its flaws, making it ideal for multiplex audiences in cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai, where EPIQ screenings enhance the experience. However, the 3-hour runtime and slow start may test the patience of action-driven viewers. Families can enjoy it (U/A rating), but be prepared for moderate violence and a dense narrative.
Book tickets via BookMyShow for a theater experience, especially in Hyderabad or Bengaluru, where buzz is high. If you’re a fan of crime dramas with a social message, Kuberaa delivers a powerful punch. Share your thoughts after watching—does Dhanush’s Deva deserve the National Award hype?
Final Verdict
Kuberaa is a bold, emotionally charged socio-political thriller that showcases Dhanush at his peak and Kammula’s versatility. Despite pacing issues and an underwhelming soundtrack, its gripping narrative, stellar cast, and relevant themes make it a worthy theatrical watch. It’s not a perfect film, but its heart and soul resonate deeply, earning it a solid 3.75/5 for Indian audiences.
Last Updated on: Friday, June 20, 2025 5:00 pm by Mohammad Hussain Shaik | Published by: Mohammad Hussain Shaik on Friday, June 20, 2025 5:00 pm | News Categories: Entertainment
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