The Verdict: A visually arresting, emotionally charged crime epic anchored by Dhanush’s transformative performance, though tested by its 3-hour runtime. ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Release Date: June 20, 2025
Runtime: 3 hours 1 minute | Censor: U/A
Director: Sekhar Kammula | Music: Devi Sri Prasad
Cast: Dhanush, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Rashmika Mandanna, Jim Sarbh
The Story: A Battle Between Power and Poverty
Kuberaa thrusts viewers into a dystopian India where corruption metastasizes through every layer of society. At its core, the film follows Deva (Dhanush), a beggar surviving in visceral urban wastelands, who becomes an unwitting pawn in a ₹1 lakh crore oil-reserve scam orchestrated by business magnate Neeraj (Jim Sarbh) and ex-CBI officer Deepak (Nagarjuna). When Deva discovers his accidental ownership of illicit billions, his journey from dispossession to defiance ignites a fiery clash against systemic greed.
Director Sekhar Kammula swaps his signature feel-good storytelling for a gritty, philosophical crime saga exploring moral decay, redemption, and the human cost of unchecked ambition.
Performances: Dhanush Immortalizes Pain, Nagarjuna Soars
- Dhanush as Deva: Delivering what critics call his “career-best performance”, Dhanush doesn’t merely act—he becomes the beggar. From subtle physical handicaps to raw emotional breakdowns, his commitment is staggering. Reports confirm he begged on Tirupati’s streets to internalize the role—a dedication visible in every frame. As one reviewer noted: “He leans into humiliation and turns poverty into poetry”.
- Nagarjuna as Deepak: The veteran shines in a restrained, morally grey role. His subdued charisma as the scam architect adds layers to the narrative, earning praise as a “much-needed career resurgence”.
- Rashmika Mandanna: Though her character provides emotional heft in the second half, some critics found her performance “familiar” compared to Kammula’s typically layered female roles.
- Jim Sarbh: Chills as the ruthless billionaire, embodying corporate villainy with unnerving calm.
Technical Brilliance & Pacing Struggles
- Cinematography (Niketh Bommi): Every frame is “a painting with a pulse”—Mumbai’s slums and corporate boardrooms alike feel tactile and haunting.
- Music (Devi Sri Prasad): The background score is the film’s “soul,” elevating tension and heartbreak. Songs like Naa Koduka and Poyiraa Mama land powerfully situationally.
- Editing (Karthika Srinivas): The film’s Achilles’ heel. Though trimmed from 3h15m to 3h01m, pacing drags in the first 45 minutes. The climax also feels rushed, undermining earlier emotional buildup.
Twitter Erupts: “Blockbuster!” vs. “Too Long!”
Social media reactions split sharply:
- Praise: “#Kuberaa is FIREWORKS! Dhanush’s slow burn into Deva is iconic. Kammula’s writing hits with emotion, not excess” . Many hailed it as Dhanush’s “greatest performance” and Kammula’s “masterpiece.”
- Critiques: “45 minutes too long… payoff botched” lamented some, while U.S. viewers noted the “rushed climax”.
Celebrities joined the chorus:
- Sai Pallavi: “Dhanush’s masterclass immortalizes pain. Sekhar Kammula influences a generation!”.
- Sandeep Reddy Vanga: Predicted a “SUPERHIT” pre-release.
Should You Watch It?
Yes—with patience. Kuberaa triumphs as:
- A theatrical experience where visuals and sound demand the big screen.
- A career milestone for Dhanush, cementing his legacy.
- A socially resonant drama questioning ethics in a broken system.
Ideal For: Fans of cerebral cinema, performances over masala, and Sekhar Kammula’s storytelling evolution.
Skip If: Tight runtimes or fast-paced action are non-negotiable.
FAQ: Kuberaa Movie (2025) – Your Questions Answered
Q1: Is Kuberaa worth watching in theaters?
A: Yes, for Dhanush’s career-best performance and stunning visuals. Theatrical experience amplifies Devi Sri Prasad’s score and Niketh Bommi’s cinematography. Skip if under 3-hour runtimes deter you.
Q2: What’s the Twitter verdict on Kuberaa?
A: Polarized but trending:
. Praise: “#Blockbuster! Dhanush immortalizes poverty” (Fan)
. Critique: “45 mins too long, rushed climax” (U.S. viewer)
. Celebs like Sai Pallavi hailed it as “generational cinema”.
Q3: How is Nagarjuna’s performance?
A: Critics call it a “career resurgence” – his restrained portrayal of ex-CBI officer Deepak adds moral complexity, stealing scenes without overt drama.
Beyond the Screen: Record OTT Deal & Legacy
Produced at ₹120 crore—Kammula’s costliest project—Kuberaa secured a landmark OTT deal with Amazon Prime Video, streaming July 2025 . As theaters buzz today, the film’s true victory lies in its audacity: a stark mirror held to inequality, powered by a beggar’s roar.
“No other star would touch this role. Dhanush didn’t flinch.”
— Critic on X, capturing the film’s essence.
Final Word: Imperfect yet unforgettable. Dhanush and Kammula redefine brave cinema.