Kuberaa Movie Review: Dhanush & Nagarjuna Shine in Sekhar Kammula’s Bold Socio-Political Thriller

Ever watched a movie that makes you question the world while keeping you glued to your seat? Kuberaa, Sekhar Kammula’s latest directorial venture, does exactly that—mixing hard-hitting social commentary with edge-of-the-seat thrills. Starring Dhanush, Nagarjuna, and Rashmika Mandanna, this film isn’t your typical masala flick. It’s a crime thriller with a conscience, and boy, does it deliver.

If you’re wondering whether Kuberaa lives up to the hype, stick around. I’ll break down the performances, the plot, the highs, the lows, and whether it’s worth your hard-earned money (or streaming time).

Plot & Premise: A Game of Power, Greed, and Redemption

At its core, Kuberaa is about the ugly divide between the ultra-rich and the desperately poor. The story follows Deepak (Nagarjuna), a former CBI officer turned mastermind of a Rs 1 lakh crore scam involving offshore oil reserves. His genius (or diabolical) plan? Recruit beggars—like Deva (Dhanush), a physically challenged man—to act as benami account holders for laundering black money.

What starts as a ruthless exploitation of the weak turns into a revenge saga when Deva, the underdog, decides to flip the game on the elites. Think Robin Hood meets The Big Short, but with Sekhar Kammula’s signature emotional depth.

Why the Premise Works

Relevant social commentary – The film doesn’t just entertain; it makes you think about wealth disparity and corruption.
Unpredictable twists – Just when you think you know where it’s going, Kuberaa throws a curveball.
Moral ambiguity – Nobody’s purely good or evil, making the characters deeply human.

Performances: Dhanush Steals the Show (No Surprise There)

Dhanush as Deva – A Career-Best Performance?

If you thought Dhanush peaked in Asuran or Karnan, think again. His portrayal of Deva, a beggar with a physical disability, is raw, heartbreaking, and utterly convincing.

Physical transformation – His consistent limp, subtle hand gestures, and weary expressions make you forget he’s acting.
Emotional range – From helplessness to fury, Dhanush nails every beat. That climactic courtroom scene? Chills.
Screen presence – Even when silent, he commands attention.

Verdict: If this doesn’t earn him another National Award, I don’t know what will.

Nagarjuna as Deepak – The Perfect Antihero

Nagarjuna plays Deepak, the mastermind with a moral conflict. Unlike typical villains, he’s charming, calculative, and oddly sympathetic.

Restrained intensity – No over-the-top dialogues, just cold, calculated menace.
Chemistry with Dhanush – Their mentor-protege-turned-rival dynamic is electric.
Comeback performance? After a string of forgettable roles, Nagarjuna reminds us why he’s a legend.

Rashmika Mandanna – Decent, But Underutilized

Rashmika plays Ananya, a pivotal character who enters in the second half. She brings warmth and emotional weight, but her role lacks depth compared to Kammula’s usual female leads.

Good chemistry with Dhanush – Their scenes add a touch of romance without derailing the plot.
Wasted potential? I wish her character had more agency.

Jim Sarbh – The Sleazy Corporate Villain We Love to Hate

In limited screen time, Jim Sarbh (as Neeraj) oozes slimy corporate greed. His final face-off with Dhanush is pure cinematic gold.

Technical Brilliance: A Feast for the Senses

Direction – Sekhar Kammula’s Boldest Film Yet

Known for feel-good dramas like Happy Days and Fidaa, Kammula steps into grittier territory—and nails it.

Balances realism and drama – No over-the-top action, just tense, grounded storytelling.
Social messaging without preachiness – The film shows, not tells, the horrors of economic disparity.
Strong emotional core – Even in a thriller, Kammula ensures we care about the characters.

Cinematography – Every Frame is a Painting

Niketh Bommireddy’s camerawork is stunning.

Contrasts wealth & poverty – Glossy corporate offices vs. grimy slums.
Claustrophobic close-ups – You feel the characters’ desperation.
Oil rig sequences – Visually breathtaking, adding scale to the narrative.

Music – Devi Sri Prasad’s Subtle Magic

DSP’s background score enhances emotions without overpowering.

No forced mass songs – The music serves the story.
“Poyivaa Nanba” (Tamil version) – A soulful track that stays with you.

Strengths vs. Weaknesses: Is Kuberaa Flawless?

✅ What Works

✔ Dhanush’s powerhouse performance – Worth the ticket price alone.
✔ Nagarjuna’s layered villain – A masterclass in subtle acting.
✔ Engaging second half – The climax is nail-biting.
✔ Social relevance – Makes you think long after leaving the theater.

❌ What Doesn’t

✖ Slow first half – Could’ve been tighter (blame the 3-hour runtime).
✖ Rashmika’s underdeveloped role – Feels like a missed opportunity.
✖ Some repetitive scenes – A few moments drag.

Box Office & Verdict: Should You Watch It?

Kuberaa opened strong with 3.58 crore by 1 PM on Day 1, slightly ahead of Sitaare Zameen Par[16]. Early reviews call it “visually rich, emotionally layered, and phenomenally directed”.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Dhanush & Nagarjuna’s performances? 5/5.
Story & direction? 4/5.
Pacing issues? Could’ve been trimmed by 30 mins.

Who Will Love This?

Fans of social thrillers (Jai Bhim, The Big Short).
Anyone who appreciates strong acting over mindless action.
Viewers who like films with a message.

Who Might Be Disappointed?

Those expecting a fast-paced commercial entertainer.
People who prefer lighthearted cinema—this one’s intense.

Final Thoughts: Kuberaa is a Must-Watch (With Minor Flaws)

Sekhar Kammula’s Kuberaa isn’t just a film—it’s an experience. Dhanush delivers a career-defining performance, Nagarjuna proves he’s still got it, and the story holds a mirror to society without being preachy.

Yes, it’s a bit long, and yes, Rashmika could’ve had more to do. But when a movie makes you feel this much, those flaws feel minor.

Final Verdict: Grab your tickets or mark it on your watchlist. This is one of 2025’s best films so far. 🎬🔥

What did you think of Kuberaa? Loved it? Hated it? Let’s debate in the comments! 👇