Director : Sekhar Kammula
Starring: Dhanush, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Rashmika Mandanna, Jim Sarbh, Dalip Tahil , Sayaji Shinde, Jayaprakash, Sunaina, Divya Dekate, Koushik Mahata, Saurav Khurana, Col Ravi Sharma, Hareesh Peradi, Redin Kingsley among others.
Writers: Sekhar Kammula, Chaithanya Pingali
Producers: Suniel Narang, Puskur Ram Mohan Rao, Ajay Kaikala
Banners: Sree Venkateswara Cinemas LLP, Amigos Creations
Cinematographer: Niketh Bommireddy
Editor : Karthika Srinivas
Music Director : Devi Sri Prasad
Production Designer :Thota Tharani
Release Date: June 20,2025
Kuberaa: Commercially packed social drama (3/5)
Starring Dhanush, Nagarjuna Akkineni, and Rashmika Mandanna in the lead roles, a film titled, Kuberaa under the direction of Sekhar Kammula has been carrying good buzz among the audience. Amidst good hype among the trade circles as well, the movie has hit the screens across the nation on June 20,2025. Let’s Review it.
Synopsis:
Kuberaa revolves around Deepak (Nagarjuna), a former CBI officer who joins hands with a shady billionaire named Neeraj(Jim Sarbh) to execute a massive hawala operation. Their plan? Convert a staggering amount of black money into white by using four unsuspecting beggars as conduits.One of these beggars happens to be Deva (Dhanush), hailing from Tirupati. However, things take an unexpected turn when Deva breaks free from Deepak and Neeraj’s control and turns the tables demanding they transfer ₹10,000 crore in his name.
As the stakes escalate, Deva crosses paths with Sameera (Rashmika Mandanna), a woman whose life takes a sharp turn after becoming involved in Deva’s mission. Set against the scenic backdrop of a coastal city, the film explores whether Sameera can escape the chaos now engulfing her life and if Deepak’s criminal plot will ultimately succeed.To uncover the twists and turns of this suspense-filled narrative, Kuberaa awaits you in theatres now.
Performances:
Coming to Nagarjuna, he delivers a solid performance as Deepak, a morally grey character—a man with questionable methods but seemingly noble intentions. He balances the shades of cunning and compassion with ease, adding depth to his role as the mastermind behind the hawala operation.
As expected, Dhanush steals the show. His portrayal of Deva, a beggar from Tirupati who rises to challenge the powerful, is both clap-worthy and emotionally gripping. Dhanush effortlessly transitions from vulnerability to rebellion, bringing gravitas and soul to the character. His transformation arc is one of the film’s biggest strengths.
Rashmika Mandanna shines in a layered role. starting off as an innocent and simple girl, her character’s evolution into a mature and resilient woman is portrayed with charm and conviction. She adds emotional balance to the high-stakes drama.
Supporting actors like Jim Sarbh, Dalip Tahil, and Sayaji Shinde are aptly cast and deliver effective performances that support the main narrative without overshadowing it.
Sunaina, as Deepak’s wife, brings a gentle, grounded presence to the story and does full justice to her part.
Analysis:
Writer cum director Sekhar Kammula brings a unique and ambitious concept to the table in Kuberaa. His effort to narrate a socio-political thriller rooted in a commercial template is commendable.
At times, it feels like the writer in him overshadows the director, especially during the film’s heavily detailed portions. However, his intent to create an engaging and thought-provoking film is evident throughout, even if the execution slightly wavers.
Technical Department:
Music by Devi Sri Prasad is enjoyable. Though the film features only three songs—including a notable montage involving Dhanush and Nagarjuna, the background score truly stands out, adding energy and emotion to key sequences.
Cinematography by Niketh Bommireddy is vibrant and visually pleasing, capturing the mood and scale of the film effectively.Editing by Karthika Srinivas could have been tighter. At a runtime of over three hours, the film tests patience in parts. A 20-minute trim, especially in the second half, would have made the narrative sharper and more engaging.
The production values are top-notch, befitting the film’s high-budget scale. The visuals, sets, and overall technical polish enhance the viewing experience.
Verdict:
All in all, Kuberaa offers an enjoyable ride backed by strong performances, a fresh premise, and sleek visuals. The first half is gripping with racy sequences and impactful drama. However, the second half suffers from over-explanation and slows the pace. Despite these flaws, Kuberaa manages to entertain and engage, making it a decent one-time watch for those who enjoy socially charged thrillers with a commercial touch.
