kubera movie review, the 2025 Indian crime drama directed by Sekhar Kammula, has taken audiences by storm with its bold storytelling, powerhouse performances, and thought-provoking themes. Starring Dhanush, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Rashmika Mandanna, and Jim Sarbh, this pan-Indian film dives deep into the murky waters of ambition, greed, and morality. With a runtime of just over three hours, Kuberaa is a slow-burn thriller that balances emotional depth with socio-political commentary. In this comprehensive review, we explore the plot, cast performances, direction, screenplay, technical aspects, strengths and weaknesses, audience and critic reactions, box office performance, and how it compares to other films in its genre. Let’s dive into why kubera movie review is generating so much buzz.
kubera movie review details
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Aspect |
Details |
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Title |
Kuberaa |
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Director |
Sekhar Kammula |
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Writers |
Sekhar Kammula, Chaithanya Pingali |
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Cast |
Dhanush, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Rashmika Mandanna, Jim Sarbh, Dalip Tahil |
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Genre |
Action, Crime, Drama, Social Thriller |
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Release Date |
June 20, 2025 |
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Runtime |
3 hours 1 minute |
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Languages |
Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam |
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Certification |
U/A |
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Producers |
Suniel Narang, Puskur Ram Mohan Rao |
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Production Companies |
Sree Venkateswara Cinemas LLP, Amigos Creations |
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Music |
Devi Sri Prasad |
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Cinematography |
Niketh Bommireddy |
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Editing |
Karthika Srinivas |
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Box Office (Day 1) |
₹12.98 crore (early estimates) |
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Streaming Platform |
Amazon Prime Video (post-theatrical release on July 18, 2025) |
Spoiler-Free Plot Overview
Kuberaa weaves a compelling narrative centered on the stark contrast between the ultra-rich and the marginalized. The story follows Deva (Dhanush), a kind-hearted beggar with a photographic memory, who is unwittingly drawn into a high-stakes financial scam orchestrated by Neeraj Mitra (Jim Sarbh), a ruthless Mumbai-based businessman. Neeraj discovers a massive oil reserve in the Bay of Bengal, which could reshape India’s economic future. To execute his plan, he enlists Deepak (Nagarjuna Akkineni), a disillusioned ex-CBI officer imprisoned for resisting corruption. Deepak devises a scheme to use beggars as benamis (nominee holders) to launder billions in black money, with Deva among them.
As Deva uncovers the dangerous truth behind the scam, he becomes a target, sparking a thrilling manhunt. Along the way, he meets Sameera (Rashmika Mandanna), a spirited woman who becomes his emotional anchor. The film explores themes of inequality, power, and redemption, with Deva’s journey serving as the emotional and moral core. Without giving away key twists, Kuberaa is a tale of survival, betrayal, and the fight to retain humanity in a world driven by greed.
Cast Performances
Dhanush as Deva
Dhanush delivers a career-defining performance as Deva, embodying the vulnerability and resilience of a beggar thrust into a dangerous world. His physical transformation is striking—his gaunt frame, tattered clothes, and subtle mannerisms make Deva feel authentic. Dhanush’s ability to convey emotional depth through minimal dialogue is remarkable, particularly in scenes like the emotionally charged “Poyivaa Nanba” sequence, where his expressions carry the weight of the narrative. Critics have hailed his performance as National Award-worthy, and it’s easy to see why. His portrayal is raw, heartfelt, and unforgettable, making Deva the soul of Kuberaa.
Nagarjuna Akkineni as Deepak
Nagarjuna surprises with a restrained yet powerful performance as Deepak, a morally conflicted CBI officer. Unlike his typical charismatic roles, he plays Deepak with a quiet intensity, reflecting the character’s internal struggle between duty and survival. His subtle body language and measured dialogue delivery add depth to a character caught in a web of corruption. While some critics noted that his arc feels slightly underdeveloped in the second half, Nagarjuna’s grounded performance elevates the film’s tension.
Rashmika Mandanna as Sameera
Rashmika Mandanna shines as Sameera, bringing warmth and innocence to a role that serves as the film’s emotional anchor. Her chemistry with Dhanush is a highlight, particularly in the dumpyard scenes, where her natural performance adds levity and heart. While her character could have been fleshed out further, Rashmika makes the most of her screen time, delivering a performance that balances naivety with strength.
Jim Sarbh as Neeraj Mitra
Jim Sarbh is electrifying as the cold-blooded businessman Neeraj Mitra. His portrayal of a greedy, power-hungry antagonist is both menacing and nuanced, a stark contrast to his previous roles like Homi Bhabha in Rocket Boys. Sarbh’s ability to command the screen with minimal effort makes Neeraj a formidable villain, though some felt his character deserved more depth in the climax.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast, including Dalip Tahil, Sunaina Yella, and Hareesh Peradi, delivers solid performances but is underutilized. Dalip Tahil’s role feels inconsequential, while Sunaina’s brief appearance as a pregnant beggar leaves a lasting impact. The ensemble adds texture to the narrative, though some characters lack the depth needed to fully resonate.
Direction by Sekhar Kammula
Sekhar Kammula, known for feel-good dramas like Fidaa and Anand, takes a bold leap with Kuberaa, venturing into the socio-political thriller genre. His direction is ambitious, blending gritty realism with emotional depth. Kammula’s decision to focus on the class divide and systemic corruption is commendable, and his ability to humanize marginalized characters, like Deva and his fellow beggars, adds a layer of authenticity. However, the film’s pacing and overambitious scope occasionally hinder its impact. While the first half is gripping, the second half feels rushed, with a climax that doesn’t fully deliver on the setup’s promise. Despite these flaws, Kammula’s vision shines through, making kubera movie review a thought-provoking departure from his usual fare.
Screenplay and Writing
The screenplay, co-written by Kammula and Chaithanya Pingali, is one of Kuberaa’s strongest assets. The narrative is layered, weaving together themes of greed, morality, and social inequality. The use of beggars as benamis is a novel concept, and the first half effectively sets up the scam’s stakes and character dynamics. Emotional moments, like Deva’s backstory and the “Poyiraa Mama” song, are seamlessly integrated, adding depth to the narrative. However, the second half struggles with pacing, as repetitive chase sequences and an abrupt climax dilute the emotional payoff. Some subplots, like Deepak’s family dynamics, feel underdeveloped, and the film could have benefited from a tighter edit. Overall, the writing is sharp but occasionally overreaches, leaving a few threads unresolved.
Cinematography
Niketh Bommireddy’s cinematography is a visual treat, capturing the duality of Kuberaa’s world with striking contrasts. The gritty streets of Mumbai and Tirupati are juxtaposed with the opulent high-rises of corporate India, reflecting the class divide at the heart of the story. Scenes like Deva bathing under a broken pipeline or the dogfight sequence at the interval are visually arresting, with a realistic yet evocative aesthetic. The use of shadows and muted tones enhances the film’s brooding atmosphere, though some critics noted that the visuals could have been more polished in certain action sequences.
Music and Background Score
Devi Sri Prasad’s background score is a standout, elevating the film’s emotional and thrilling moments. Tracks like “Poyivaa Nanba” and “Naa Koduka” are soulful and perfectly integrated, enhancing the narrative’s emotional core. The score shifts seamlessly between subdued and rousing, complementing the film’s tone. However, some songs, like “Amma,” feel misplaced and disrupt the pacing. While DSP’s music isn’t as chart-topping as his previous works, it adds significant depth to Kuberaa.
Visual Effects (VFX)
kubera movie review relies minimally on VFX, focusing instead on realistic settings and practical effects. The film’s action sequences, such as the landfill fight and chase scenes, are grounded and well-executed, though they lack the polish of larger-scale blockbusters. The limited use of VFX aligns with the film’s gritty aesthetic but occasionally feels underwhelming, especially in high-stakes moments that could have benefited from more visual flair.
Strengths of kubera movie review
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Powerful Performances: Dhanush’s transformative role as Deva, supported by Nagarjuna, Rashmika, and Jim Sarbh, is the film’s biggest asset. Their chemistry and emotional depth carry the narrative.
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Compelling Premise: The concept of using beggars as benamis in a massive financial scam is fresh and engaging, offering a unique perspective on systemic corruption.
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Emotional Depth: Scenes like the funeral sequence and Deva’s backstory are poignant, highlighting Kammula’s knack for humanizing marginalized characters.
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Technical Brilliance: Niketh Bommireddy’s cinematography and Devi Sri Prasad’s score elevate the film’s atmosphere, making it visually and emotionally immersive.
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Social Commentary: The film’s exploration of inequality, power, and morality resonates with audiences, offering a timely critique of societal divides.
Weaknesses of kubera movie review
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Pacing Issues: The film’s 3-hour runtime feels bloated, with repetitive chase sequences and a slow first half that could have been trimmed.
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Rushed Climax: The resolution feels abrupt and predictable, undermining the tension built in the first two acts.
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Underdeveloped Subplots: Characters like Deepak’s family and some supporting roles lack depth, leaving narrative gaps.
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Song Placement: While DSP’s score is excellent, some songs disrupt the narrative flow and feel unnecessary.
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Tamil Version Underperformance: The Tamil version struggled to connect with audiences, possibly due to translation issues or a lack of regional appeal.
Audience and Critics’ Reactions
Kuberaa has garnered widespread praise from audiences and critics alike, particularly for its performances and social commentary. On social media platforms like X, fans have called it a “blockbuster” and praised Dhanush’s “award-worthy” performance, with posts highlighting the emotional impact of songs like “Poyivaa Nanba.” Critics have given the film ratings ranging from 3 to 4.5 stars, with outlets like The Hindu calling it “brave” and Times of India describing it as a “brooding, thought-provoking social drama.” However, some critics noted pacing issues and a weak climax, with India Today pointing out that the conventional ending doesn’t match the film’s ambitious setup. The Telugu version has been a hit, while the Tamil version received mixed responses.
Box Office Buzz
Kuberaa opened strong, grossing ₹12.98 crore on its first day in India, with early estimates predicting a ₹18–20 crore weekend haul. The Telugu version performed exceptionally well, contributing to a global gross of ₹80–132 crore. The film’s success in cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru reflects its appeal among urban audiences. However, the Tamil version underperformed, possibly due to a lack of pre-release buzz or competition from other regional releases. The film’s post-theatrical streaming on Amazon Prime Video, starting July 18, 2025, has further boosted its reach.
Comparisons to Other Films
kubera movie review stands out in the socio-political thriller genre, drawing comparisons to films like Swades for its social commentary and Rang De Basanti for its emotional resonance. Unlike Kammula’s earlier works, which leaned toward romance and slice-of-life drama, Kuberaa shares more in common with gritty thrillers like A Wednesday or Special 26, though it lacks the latter’s taut pacing. Dhanush’s performance invites comparisons to his role in Asuran, where he also played a marginalized character with depth. However, Kuberaa’s ambitious scope and pan-Indian appeal set it apart, making it a unique addition to Telugu cinema’s evolving landscape.
Final Verdict
kubera movie review is a bold, ambitious film that tackles weighty themes with sincerity and stellar performances. Dhanush’s transformative role as Deva, supported by Nagarjuna’s understated intensity and Rashmika’s charm, makes it a must-watch for fans of character-driven dramas. Sekhar Kammula’s direction and the film’s technical brilliance create a gripping experience, despite pacing issues and a rushed climax. Its exploration of inequality and corruption is both timely and thought-provoking, though a tighter edit could have elevated it to a masterpiece. For those who enjoy slow-burn thrillers with emotional depth, Kuberaa is a rewarding theatrical experience.
