Movie Name : Kuberaa
Release Date : June 20, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 3.5/5
Starring : Dhanush, Nagarjuna, Rashmika Mandanna, Jim Sarbh, Dalip Tahil, Sayaji Shinde and Others
Director : Sekhar Kammula
Producers : Suniel Narang, Puskur Ram Mohan Rao, Ajay Kaikala
Music Director : Devi Sri Prasad
Cinematographer : Niketh Bommireddy
Editor : Karthika Srinivas
Related Links : Trailer
Kuberaa marks the first-ever collaboration between National Award-winning actor Dhanush and acclaimed filmmaker Sekhar Kammula. With Nagarjuna playing a pivotal role, the film hit the screens today with a fair buzz surrounding it. Does it meet expectations? Here’s our complete take.
Story:
Neeraj Mitra (Jim Sarbh), a powerful and ambitious businessman, discovers a rare oil reserve hidden in the Bay of Bengal. Eager to turn it into a source of wealth, influence, and political control, he plans a secret mission with the backing of top leaders. To make it work, he turns to Deepak (Nagarjuna), a once-honest CBI officer now in prison for refusing to bow to corruption. Left with no choice, Deepak agrees to help. Though he doesn’t share Neeraj’s greed, his circumstances force him into the plan. Deepak gathers a group of beggars from across the country to carry out the job quietly. One of them is Deva (Dhanush), a kind-hearted and innocent man who has no idea what he’s been dragged into. But when Deva discovers they plan to kill him, he escapes. This sparks a manhunt, with Neeraj and Deepak racing to find him before the truth unravels. On the run, Deva meets Sameera (Rashmika Mandanna), and what follows is a gripping journey of survival, trust, and inner strength. As secrets unfold and loyalties are tested, Kuberaa dives deep into the cost of power and the fight to hold on to humanity in a world driven by greed.
Plus Points:
Dhanush is the soul of Kuberaa. He doesn’t just perform, he disappears into Deva, playing the role of a humble, innocent beggar with remarkable grace. His mannerisms, vulnerability, and quiet strength are portrayed with such depth that it’s hard to look away. This is easily one of his most sincere and award-worthy performances.
Nagarjuna, in a rare grey-shaded role, delivers a layered and honest portrayal. As Deepak, he isn’t evil, but a victim of the system. A once-straightforward officer, Deepak bends his ideals when forced into a corner. Nagarjuna captures this moral conflict with restraint, showing a man torn between survival and conscience. His scenes with Dhanush are emotionally engaging and stand out for their weight.
Jim Sarbh, despite limited screen time, shines as the driven and cunning Neeraj. His intensity and stillness lend gravity to the role, especially in the final act. His acceptance of the consequences in the climax adds a quiet power to his arc.
Rashmika Mandanna plays a relatively simple role, but her chemistry with Dhanush brings lightness to the otherwise heavy narrative. Their scenes add a touch of humour and heart.
One of the film’s biggest strengths is its final stretch. The pre-climax to climax sequences are gripping and emotionally rich. Sekhar Kammula weaves in relevant social commentary, emotional tension, and powerful dialogues without going overboard. The thoughtfulness in his writing shines through.
Minus Points:
While the story holds promise, the first half takes its time to find rhythm. The pacing is uneven, and some scenes feel stretched. Though the world-building is necessary, it occasionally slows down the flow and tests patience.
A few scenes come off as repetitive, affecting the momentum. With tighter editing, the first half could have had more impact.
The emotional relationship between Deepak and Deva, while effective in parts, could’ve been explored with more depth. Their bond had the potential to raise the drama even further. Similarly, Rashmika’s character could have played a stronger role in pushing the story in a new direction, but she remains limited to support.
Technical Aspects:
Sekhar Kammula deserves credit for stepping into a new space. His handling of the subject is sensitive yet bold, and his characters are well-layered. His decision to show shades of grey in heroes is refreshing, and his emotional beats land well.
Niketh Bommireddy’s cinematography is striking. From the natural chaos of the streets to the vastness of the oil rigs, every frame is well composed. Karthika Srinivas’s editing is decent, though a tighter first half would have helped the pace.
Devi Sri Prasad’s background score lifts the mood, especially in intense scenes. His music adds emotional depth without overpowering the visuals. Production values are solid. Special praise must go to the art department and make-up teams for presenting characters authentically and building a believable world.
Verdict:
On the whole, Kuberaa is a sincere, engaging, emotionally driven drama that tackles themes of poverty, power, and survival. It thrives on outstanding performances, particularly by Dhanush, who delivers a stunning act, and Nagarjuna, who impresses in a morally complex role. Jim Sarbh adds further intensity, and the film closes on a strong note. Yes, it has its flaws, a slow first half, some repetitive sequences, and underutilised characters, but the core of the story remains strong. Sekhar Kammula delivers a meaningful film that combines human emotion with social realism. In the end, Kuberaa is a rewarding experience. For those who appreciate layered storytelling, relevant themes, and top-notch acting, this is a film worth watching. Don’t miss it.
123telugu.com Rating: 3.5/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team