Kuberaa Telugu Movie Review: A Gripping Socio-Political Thriller with Stellar Performances

Introduction to Kuberaa: A Sekhar Kammula Masterpiece

Sekhar Kammula a filmmaker celebrated for his emotionally resonant and socially relevant films like Anand, Godavari and Fidaa ventures into new territory with Kuberaa. Unlike his signature romantic and slice-of-life dramas this film is a socio-political thriller that tackles themes of greed corruption and class disparity. With a stellar cast and a budget of over ₹120 crore Kuberaa is Kammula’s most ambitious project yet marking his first pan-Indian venture shot simultaneously in Telugu and Tamil.

The film’s title Kuberaa draws inspiration from the Hindu god of wealth Kubera and serves as a metaphor for the pursuit of riches and its consequences. With a runtime of 3 hours and 1 minute the movie promises a gripping narrative that blends action drama and social commentary.

Plot Summary: A Tale of Greed, Survival, and Redemption

Kuberaa weaves a complex narrative around a massive oil scam orchestrated by Neeraj Mitra (Jim Sarbh) a ruthless Mumbai-based businessman aiming to control a newly discovered oil reserve in the Bay of Bengal. To execute his plan, Neeraj collaborates with top politicians and enlists Deepak (Nagarjuna Akkineni), a former CBI officer imprisoned for refusing to succumb to corruption. Deepak driven by the need to secure a better future for his family reluctantly agrees to facilitate a ₹1 lakh crore money-laundering scheme by using beggars as benamis (nominee fronts).

Among these beggars is Deva (Dhanush) a kind-hearted and innocent man from Tirupati who is unaware of the dangerous plot he’s been drawn into. When Deva discovers Neeraj’s plan to eliminate the beggars after the transaction, he escapes, triggering a high-stakes manhunt. Along the way, Deva meets Sameera (Rashmika Mandanna), a compassionate woman who becomes his ally in a journey of survival and self-discovery. The film explores how these characters navigate a world driven by greed betrayal and power culminating in a thought-provoking climax that questions the true meaning of wealth.

The narrative is structured in two halves. The first half sets up the intricate scam and introduces the characters, while the second half delves into Deva’s transformation and the emotional stakes of the story. While the plot is engaging some sequences particularly in the second half feel slightly protracted impacting the pacing.

Stellar Performances: Dhanush Steals the Show

Dhanush as Deva: A Career-Defining Role

Dhanush delivers a tour-de-force performance as Deva a beggar with a photographic memory and a heart of gold. His portrayal is raw, nuanced, and deeply moving, capturing the vulnerability and resilience of a man caught in a dangerous game. Dhanush’s physical transformation complete with tattered clothes and a weathered appearance adds authenticity to the role. His ability to convey Deva’s innocence fear and eventual strength makes this one of his career-best performances with many critics suggesting it’s National Award-worthy. Scenes like Deva bathing under a broken pipeline or carrying an ailing character on his back are emotionally charged and showcase Dhanush’s versatility.

Nagarjuna Akkineni as Deepak: Subtle and Impactful

Nagarjuna Akkineni steps out of his comfort zone to play Deepak a morally conflicted CBI officer. His restrained performance marked by subtle dialogue delivery and composed body language adds depth to the character. Deepak’s internal struggle balancing his principles with the need to protect his family is portrayed with finesse making him a relatable figure. While some reviews note that his role feels slightly underwritten in the second half Nagarjuna’s screen presence and chemistry with Dhanush elevate the film.

Rashmika Mandanna as Sameera: A Breath of Fresh Air

Rashmika Mandanna shines as Sameera, a character who brings warmth and hope to Deva’s life. Her performance, particularly in the dumpyard scenes alongside Dhanush is heartfelt and authentic. Sameera’s naive charm and emotional depth make her a pivotal part of the narrative and Rashmika’s chemistry with Dhanush is a highlight. While her role is limited compared to the male leads, she makes the most of her screen time, continuing her streak of impactful performances.

Jim Sarbh as Neeraj Mitra: A Menacing Antagonist

Jim Sarbh delivers a chilling performance as Neeraj Mitra the ambitious businessman driven by greed. His cold calculated demeanor and sharp dialogue delivery make him a formidable antagonist. Sarbh’s ability to portray Neeraj’s hunger for power without resorting to over-the-top theatrics adds a layer of realism to the character. The supporting cast including Dalip Tahil and Sayaji Shinde, also contributes effectively though some characters could have been fleshed out further.

Technical Brilliance: Cinematography, Music, and More

Cinematography by Niketh Bommireddy

Niketh Bommireddy’s cinematography is a standout feature of Kuberaa. The film’s visuals capture the stark contrast between the opulent world of the ultra-rich and the gritty reality of the marginalized. From Mumbai’s high-rise skyline to the dusty streets of Tirupati the cinematography reflects the film’s themes of class disparity. The use of shadows and a muted color palette enhances the moody introspective tone of the narrative. Scenes like the dogfight sequence and Deva’s escape are visually striking, showcasing Bommireddy’s ability to blend realism with cinematic flair.

Devi Sri Prasad’s Background Score

Devi Sri Prasad’s background score is a major asset elevating the film’s emotional and dramatic moments. Tracks like “Poyiraa Mama” and “Naa Koduka” are soulful and seamlessly integrated into the narrative enhancing key sequences. The “Shiva Stotram” scene where Deva carries a character on his back is particularly impactful with DSP’s music amplifying the emotional weight. However, some songs, such as “Amma” feel misplaced and could have been omitted to tighten the runtime.

Editing and Production Design

Karthika Srinivas’ editing keeps the dense screenplay cohesive, but the film’s 3-hour-1-minute runtime feels slightly bloated. Trimming 15–20 minutes especially in the second half could have improved the pacing. Thota Tharani’s production design is commendable creating authentic settings that ground the story in reality. The film’s ₹120 crore budget is evident in its grand production values making it a visual treat.

Sekhar Kammula’s Direction: A Bold Departure

Sekhar Kammula’s decision to step away from his trademark feel-good dramas and explore a socio-political thriller is a bold move. Kuberaa retains his signature emotional depth while venturing into uncharted territory with themes of money laundering systemic corruption and class disparity. The use of beggars as benamis is a novel concept adding freshness to the narrative. Kammula’s screenplay is layered with dialogues that carry philosophical weight though some sequences feel repetitive or contrived.

The film’s strength lies in its ability to humanize its characters, particularly Deva and Sameera while critiquing societal inequalities. However the climax feels rushed and lacks the emotional punch of the earlier acts, slightly diluting the overall impact. Despite these flaws Kammula’s direction is discerning and his ability to orchestrate a stellar cast makes Kuberaa a compelling watch.

Box Office Performance and Reception

Kuberaa opened to a strong box office response, grossing ₹13 crore net on its first day in India and ₹26 crore worldwide marking Dhanush’s highest opening-day collection. With a weekend projection of ₹18–20 crore the film’s lack of major competition in Tamil and Telugu markets has boosted its performance. Its post-theatrical streaming rights were acquired by Amazon Prime Video with the film available for streaming from July 18, 2025, in multiple languages.

Audience and critic reactions have been largely positive with Dhanush’s performance receiving universal acclaim. X users have called the film a “blockbuster” and a “rare gem” praising its emotional depth and gripping narrative. However some have noted the lengthy runtime and rushed climax as drawbacks.

Why Kuberaa Stands Out

Kuberaa is a refreshing departure from the typical commercial potboilers dominating Indian cinema. It avoids clichés like forced comedy or item songs focusing instead on a character-driven narrative. The film’s authenticity achieved through real-location shooting in Mumbai, Hyderabad and Tirupati adds to its appeal. Dhanush’s dedication evidenced by his real-life begging scenes in Tirupati sets a new standard for method acting in Indian cinema.

The film’s pan-Indian appeal with releases in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam makes it accessible to a wide audience. Its blend of commercial elements and social commentary caters to both mass audiences and cinephiles making it a must-watch theatrical experience.

Kuberaa is a bold, thought-provoking film that showcases Sekhar Kammula’s evolution as a filmmaker. Anchored by Dhanush’s stellar performance supported by a talented cast and elevated by strong technical craftsmanship the film is a compelling exploration of wealth morality and humanity. While its lengthy runtime and rushed climax are minor setbacks they don’t overshadow the film’s strengths. For those who appreciate layered storytelling and powerful performances Kuberaa is a rewarding cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.