Kuberaa Review: A Bold Story with Heartfelt Performances
What’s the Film About?
Kuberaa dives into the stark divide between the ultra-wealthy and the extreme poor. At its center is Deepak (Nagarjuna), a CBI officer who orchestrates a massive financial scam. His unconventional plan involves recruiting beggars as fronts—or benamis—for hidden assets. Among them is Deva (Dhanush), a beggar who eventually flips the narrative and delivers a powerful lesson to the elite. This central conflict forms the heart of Kuberaa’s story.
Performances
The film is anchored by the stellar performances of Nagarjuna and Dhanush, and both actors absolutely own their roles.
Nagarjuna plays Deepak with subtlety and control. His measured delivery, composed body language, and understated styling all reflect the quiet strength of the character. There’s no effort to be flashy — instead, he delivers a grounded performance that feels authentic. It’s a much-needed win for the veteran actor, especially after a few underwhelming projects in recent years.
Dhanush, on the other hand, is nothing short of brilliant. As Deva, he brings raw realism to the role. He doesn’t appear to be acting at all — he becomes the character. The way he portrays a slight physical disability with consistent hand gestures is a masterclass in itself. Dhanush once again proves why he’s considered one of Indian cinema’s finest actors.
Rashmika Mandanna enters the story in the second half and gets a fair amount of screen time. While her performance is solid, it doesn’t quite carry the depth or nuance typically seen in Sekhar Kammula’s female characters. Compared to the intensity brought in by the leads, Rashmika’s portrayal feels a bit too familiar and predictable.
Direction & Storytelling
Director Sekhar Kammula takes a significant turn from his usual feel-good style. Kuberaa opens with a compelling hook — a ₹1 lakh crore scam, powerful business figures, and a mysterious plan involving beggars. It starts strong, and though the early writing around the scam setup lacks some detail, the film soon finds its emotional rhythm.
As we delve into the lives of the beggars, especially Deva’s backstory, the film gains emotional weight. A standout moment comes with the soulful “Naa Koduka” song, which adds depth and ties their struggles together.
The idea of using beggars as financial proxies is fresh, and even if not explored in great depth, it keeps the narrative engaging. The scam plot, combined with the emotional stakes of the beggar community, creates a unique blend of tension and heart.
Rashmika’s arrival just before the interval slightly slows the momentum, but the gripping interval block — featuring a raw, intense dog fight — quickly brings it back. It’s a brutal yet emotionally satisfying moment, especially since the target is a character the audience has come to despise.
Second Half & Emotional Payoffs
The second half focuses on Deva’s journey — his survival, realization of his hidden wealth, and the emotional weight of his new reality. The pacing does slow in places, but the core intrigue remains.
Some scenes, like the one involving a pregnant beggar girl, hit hard emotionally. The song “Poyiraa Mama” is another highlight — Dhanush’s expression during the sequence is exceptional.
Nagarjuna’s character arc also gains more depth in the latter half. Though not every plot thread lands perfectly, the emotional beats work. A particularly striking scene — where a beggar humiliates the ultra-rich by dragging him onto the streets — is symbolic and powerful, even if it stretches believability.
The ending ties everything together well, offering a meaningful explanation for the title Kuberaa. It’s in this final stretch that Sekhar Kammula’s vision truly shines, leaving viewers with a strong emotional impression.
Supporting Cast
Beyond the leads, the film has a minimal but effective supporting cast. Jim Sarbh is excellent as a greedy, high-society businessman — he fits the role like a glove. Sayaji Shinde, Dalip Tahil, and Sunaina (in a brief role) all deliver with impact. The limited number of characters helps keep the focus sharp and the storytelling tight.
Music, Cinematography & Technical Aspects
Devi Sri Prasad’s music supports the film beautifully. While the songs may not pop on their own, they’re well-placed in the narrative and emotionally effective. The lyrics, too, deserve praise for capturing the film’s tone and themes.
The background score is a standout — Devi Sri Prasad enhances every emotional and dramatic moment with just the right mood and energy.
Cinematographer Niketh Bommi deserves major credit for giving the film a rich and realistic look. Whether it’s the gritty world of the streets or the polished corporate environments, every scene feels immersive and authentic.
Editing is one area where the film could’ve been tighter. It runs a bit long, and a more streamlined version might’ve enhanced the overall experience. Still, the production values are top-notch. Backed by Sree Venkateswara Cinemas and Amigos Creations, Kuberaa looks and feels like a high-quality film even without relying heavily on action.
Final Thoughts
Kuberaa offers a fresh and emotionally charged story, told through strong performances and an unusual premise. While not every detail is deeply explored, the film’s emotional core, powerful acting by Dhanush and Nagarjuna, and the unique concept make it a memorable theatrical experience.
It’s a strong and welcome shift for Sekhar Kammula — and a film that leaves a lasting impact.