The sensible director Sekhar Kammula, known for staying within his comfort zone, has stepped out of it to direct the film “Kuberaa.” Starring Nagarjuna, Dhanush, Rashmika Mandanna, and Jim Sarbh in lead roles, the promotional content of this film has piqued audience interest. Now, let’s see to what extent Sekhar Kammula has succeeded in reintroducing himself.
Story: Neeraj (Jim Sarbh), the richest man in the country, learns about a vast oil and gas reserve in the Bay of Bengal and strikes a deal with top government officials to acquire it. As part of the deal, he entrusts Deepak (Nagarjuna) with the responsibility of discreetly distributing ₹1 lakh crore (1 trillion rupees) to these officials in a way that leaves no trace in the future. How does Deepak, with the help of Dev (Dhanush), manage to distribute this massive amount? What challenges do they face in the process? That forms the core plot of “Kuberaa.”
Performances: Honestly, no one other than Dhanush could’ve played Dev so convincingly. His messy hair and bearded look as a beggar roaming the streets of Tirupati is stunning. Dhanush’s portrayal of an innocent yet intelligent beggar is award-worthy.
Nagarjuna once again proves his knack for picking the right scripts. Trusting Sekhar Kammula completely, he appears with a natural and realistic look, almost without makeup. While the message conveyed through Deepak’s character weakens in the final hour, it had the potential to be even more impactful.
Rashmika Mandanna impresses yet again with her unique acting style. Sekhar Kammula successfully infuses humor through her character, providing much-needed relief in this otherwise serious narrative. Her chemistry with Dhanush stands out—not just as a typical romantic pair, but as a deeper emotional bond.
Jim Sarbh would’ve been more effective without being dubbed by Hemachandra. The voice modulation, though unique, made the character feel routine. Sayaji Shinde, despite his short screen time, plays a crucial role in the story’s progression.
Technical Aspects: Devi Sri Prasad’s music begins with a bang during the villains intro scene with the “Naadhi Naadhi” theme. The use of the Naa Kodukaa theme in the background score throughout the film is impressive. After a long time, DSP sounds refreshingly new and elevates the story with his well-timed theme music.
Niketh Bommi Reddy’s cinematography gives the film a distinct visual feel. The attention to color tint and lighting deserves praise. After this film, Niketh will likely be considered among the top cinematographers.
Editor Karthika Srinivas could have made the cuts crisper. It seems he may have held back from challenging Sekhar Kammula too much.
Analysis: Director Sekhar Kammula attempts a serious satire on capitalism, privatization, and governmental irresponsibility. His “beggar vs billionaire” theme is compelling. After the interval bang, audiences may wonder, “Is this really a Sekhar Kammula film? That surprise and renewed faith in his range as a filmmaker are well-earned.
However, in the second half, the screenplay loses direction and becomes less engaging. The team’s attempt to avoid a typical commercial film climax backfires, making the ending a weak point.
One could argue for encouraging innovation, but sometimes audiences prefer clarity—like a ripe banana peeled and served. In that regard, Kammula stumbles. A more carefully executed ending and stronger second-half screenplay couldve made Kuberaa one of 2025’s best films.
Sekhar Kammula’s portrayal of a clenched-fist common man represents the average Indian. A few years ago, railway tickets were booked using PAN cards, with passengers’ names and PAN numbers displayed on train coaches. Some misused this loophole to purchase gold and make foreign transactions under others PAN details. Kubera is loosely inspired by such incidents.
What sets this film apart is Kammula’s signature direction and sensibilities. His attention to character detailing and continuity is a major plus. While the 195-minute runtime and second-half screenplay are drawbacks, if you set those aside, Kuberaa is a socially relevant film.
Dhanush and Nagarjuna’s performances, Niketh’s cinematography, and DSP’s music make this a film worth watching and a likely hit.
Verdict: Kuberaa is an ambitious, socially conscious film with powerful performances and standout technical craft, slightly let down by its length and an underwhelming climax. But it has all the trappings to make it a solid hit at the box office.
Bottom line: A thrilling ride
Kuberaa Rating: 3/5
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