Kuberaa REVIEW: Dhanush, Nagarjuna And Rashmika Mandanna Anchor Flawed Yet Compelling Tale Of A Beggar And His Greed Meeting Innocence

Film:
Kuberaa

Director: Sekhar Kammula

Writer: Sekhar Kammula and Chaithanya Pingali

Cast: Dhanush, Nagarjuna, Rashmika Mandanna, Jim Sarbh, Dalip Tahil

Platform: In theatres

Runtime: 3 hours

Kuberaa Review

Kuberaa story begins with Neeraj Mitra (Jim Sarbh), a powerful businessman, discovers oil in the Bay of Bengal and sets out to exploit it for wealth and political gain. He enlists Deepak (Nagarjuna), a disgraced CBI officer jailed for his integrity, to assemble a covert team of beggars for the mission. Among them is Deva (Dhanush), an innocent man unknowingly caught in a deadly plot. When Deva learns the truth and escapes, a high-stakes chase begins. Along the way, he meets Sameera (Rashmika Mandanna), sparking a journey of survival and self-discovery. Kuberaa explores power, betrayal, and humanity in a world driven by greed.

What Works

Dhanush brings unmatched intensity and internal conflict to Deva, a character evolving from a beggar in Dharavi to an underworld figure. His emotional depth and gritty transformation anchor the film.

Nagarjuna’s presence as Deepak, an investigative officer, Nagarjuna offers a charismatic and layered performance. Critics note his complementary power to Dhanush, delivering gravitas and a philosophical backbone. Rashmika Mandanna adds charm and emotional resonance, while Jim Sarbh (as Neeraj) portrays a ruthless antagonist convincingly. Sekhar Kammula’s filmmaking—marked by haunting cinematography, layered social themes, and Devi Sri Prasad’s immersive score—crafts a tense, philosophical crime drama.

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What Doesn’t Work

The slow burn and extended second half test patience. Some viewers found parts bordering on dull. Also, the heavy themes—capitalism, wealth disparity, moral ambiguity—may not resonate with all, particularly those expecting a lighter or action-based Thalapathy-style thriller.

Technical Analysis

The direction and screenplay depart from romance to deliver a textured, character-driven socio‑crime epic. The cinematography by Niketh Bommireddy’s lens captures Mumbai’s underbelly and opulent power plays with grit and grandeur. The music by Devi Sri Prasad’s background themes, especially the hypnotic “Trance of Kuberaa,” elevate the narrative’s mood The production design and sound, scenes in dumpyards and slums feel visceral; soundscapes help immerse in Deva’s world.

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Star Performances

Dhanush as Deva right from his authentic portrayal of street life to drawing audiences into his moral crossroads, anchors the film emotionally. Nagarjuna as Deepak has a nuanced departure from his usual roles, balancing determination, restraint, and philosophical insight.

Rashmika Mandanna as Sameera brings warmth and relatability; her presence provides emotional grounding amid the intensity. Jim Sarbh as Neeraj, shows portrayal of an industrialist-turned-antagonist is compelling; and adds tension and class to the moral conflict.

Other supporting cast such as Dalip Tahil, Sayaji Shinde, Sunaina, Saurav Khurana, and Hareesh Peradi deliver steady performances that enrich the larger narrative fabric.

Conclusion

Kuberaa is a layered, powerful crime drama anchored by standout performances—especially Dhanush’s transformative role—and Kammula’s bold direction. Though its nearly three-hour runtime and dense themes may test some viewers, the film leaves a strong impact with its exploration of ambition, power, and moral consequence.

Watch The Trailer Of Kuberaa Here:

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