Sekhar Kammula’s latest masterpiece, starring Dhanush, Nagarjuna, and Rashmika Mandanna. Stunning performances and a bold story of greed and redemption make this a must-watch. Discover why Kuberaa shines bright despite minor flaws. Read the full review now!
In a Nutshell
• Fresh story made to feed our soul
• Stellar performance from cast
• Why Kuberaa is a unique experience
• Recommended
Hey, movie lovers! I just walked out of the 9 AM show of Kuberaa on June 20, 2025, and I’m still reeling from this intense, soulful crime drama! Directed by the masterful Sekhar Kammula, this film stars Dhanush, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Rashmika Mandanna, and Jim Sarbh in a story that’s equal parts raw, emotional, and thought-provoking.
As a cinema enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share why Kuberaa is a must-see, what makes it special, and where it could’ve been sharper.
Let’s dive into this cinematic gem!
A Bold, Fresh Story That Packs a Punch
Kuberaa takes you deep into Mumbai’s gritty underbelly, weaving a tale of ambition, greed, and redemption. It follows a beggar (Dhanush) whose life transforms dramatically as he navigates a world of power and black money. Alongside him, a cunning chartered accountant named Deepak (Nagarjuna), a determined middle-class girl (Rashmika), and a mysterious businessman (Jim Sarbh) collide in a high-stakes game that’s both thrilling and heartfelt.
Unlike typical hero-driven films, Kuberaa blends socio-political commentary with a crime drama, making it feel fresh and grounded.
Sekhar Kammula, known for emotional hits like Fidaa, steps into new territory here, and boy, does he deliver! The first half sets up the story with a slow but engaging pace, kicking into high gear once Dhanush’s character takes center stage. The second half is a rollercoaster of emotions, with a pre-climax scene that gave me chills. One unforgettable moment? A villain’s line, “Venkateswara Swami ki vajrapu haram cheyistha,” followed by a sharp cut that screams Sekhar’s directorial brilliance.
Another highlight is a metaphor comparing the exploitation of orphaned kids by the begging mafia and corporate greed—subtle yet powerful.
That said, the 181-minute runtime feels a tad long, especially in the first 15 minutes, which drag a bit. The climax, while emotional, feels rushed and doesn’t quite land the way the rest of the film does. Tighter editing could’ve made this a near-perfect experience, but these flaws don’t dim Kuberaa’s shine.
Performances That Steal Your Heart
The cast is the soul of Kuberaa. Dhanush gives what might be his finest performance yet as a beggar with layers of pain, ambition, and vulnerability. Acting with a broken hand, using only his left hand, and balancing subtle smiles with raw emotion, he owns every frame. His dance in the “PoiVaa Nanba” song is pure energy—trust me, you’ll want to whistle! This is Dhanush’s 51st film, and it feels like a career-defining role that could earn him major awards.
Nagarjuna Akkineni is phenomenal as Deepak, a chartered accountant who’s both sly and charismatic. His calm, realistic acting grounds the film, and his scenes with Dhanush spark with intensity.
Rashmika Mandanna, as the middle-class girl, brings warmth and strength, especially in the second half, where her emotional scenes hit hard. Her pre-interval entry adds a fresh twist, and her chemistry with Dhanush is a highlight.
Jim Sarbh, as a shadowy businessman, adds intrigue with his sharp performance, while supporting actors like Dalip Tahil and Hareesh Peradi round out the stellar cast.
Devi Sri Prasad’s music is a game-changer. His “Hara Hara Shankara” background score lifts the emotional scenes to another level, and songs like “Poyiraa Mama” and “PoiVaa Nanba” are visual treats, perfectly woven into the story.
Niketh Bommireddy’s cinematography captures Mumbai’s slums and high-stakes world vividly, and Thota Tharani’s production design adds richness. The only hiccup? Choppy editing in parts, which slightly disrupts the flow.
Why Kuberaa Stands Out
Kuberaa is more than a crime drama—it’s a bold step for Sekhar Kammula, who swaps his usual romantic dramas for a gritty, layered story. Shot in Tamil, Telugu (with Kannada and Malayalam, Hindi dubs), it’s a pan-Indian film that feels universal yet rooted in Indian realities. The themes of power, pain, and redemption resonate deeply, and moments like the “Hara Hara Shankara” pre-climax scene are pure cinema magic.
Dhanush’s transformation, Nagarjuna’s versatility, and Rashmika’s emotional depth make this a film that stays with you.
As a fan of Indian cinema, I love how Kuberaa balances raw intensity with heartfelt moments. It’s a testament to Sekhar’s ability to tackle big ideas while keeping the story accessible. Produced by Suniel Narang and Puskur Ram Mohan Rao under Sree Venkateswara Cinemas LLP, the film’s high production values and upcoming Amazon Prime Video release (July 2025) make it a big deal. It will definitely become a standout Telugu film of 2025, and I can see why.
Your Turn to Experience the Magic!
Kuberaa is a film that grabs you, shakes you, and leaves you thinking. It’s not flawless—the slow start and uneven climax hold it back slightly—but it’s a powerful, emotional ride that showcases the best of Indian storytelling.
I’d give it a solid 3.75/5 for its bold narrative, incredible performances, and cinematic moments that linger. As a movie lover, I’m thrilled to see Dhanush, Nagarjuna, and Rashmika shine under Sekhar Kammula’s vision.
Grab your tickets and head to the theater to experience Kuberaa on the big screen. It’s the kind of film that reminds us why we love movies—for their ability to move us, challenge us, and make us feel alive.
If you have already watched it, then tell us in the comment section what you loved most about it.
Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s celebrate this cinematic gem together!
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