✅ “Kuberaa (2025)” is a gripping Indian crime drama that delves into the dark underbelly of black money, power, and survival. Directed by Sekhar Kammula, this multi-starrer features powerful performances from Dhanush, Nagarjuna Akkineni, and Rashmika Mandanna. Set against the gritty backdrop of Mumbai’s Dharavi, the film masterfully weaves a complex tale of a desperate man caught in a dangerous web of financial deceit. With its intense narrative, strong character portrayals, and thought-provoking themes, “Kuberaa” offers a compelling and relevant cinematic experience, marking a bold shift for its acclaimed director.

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7.5/10

Kuberaa

Director: Sekhar Kammula

Writers: Sekhar Kammula, Chaitanya Pingali

Stars: Dhanush, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Jim Sarbh

Country: India

Genres: Crime, Thriller, Drama

Languages: Telugu

Overview: A ruthless billionaire, Neeraj, uses beggars as benamis to launder money, with the help of a disgraced civil submit servant, Deepak. One of the beggars, Deva, escapes with ₹10,000 crores and becomes the target of a deadly manhunt. He meets Sameera, who joins him in his mission to use the money to uplift society's poor. With Deepak's help, Deva fights back.

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Kuberaa (2025) – Movie Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix

Movie Details 

• Full Name: Kuberaa (2025)
• Language: Telugu, Tamil (also released in Hindi, Malayalam, Kannada)
• Budget: Not Publicly Disclosed (Estimated to be high-budget for Indian cinema)
• Revenue: Over ₹100 Crore (approx. $12 Million USD) Worldwide, as of June 26, 2025
• Runtime: Not Publicly Disclosed (Likely over 2 hours based on typical Indian film runtimes)
• Release Date: June 20, 2025 (Worldwide)
• Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller
• Cast: Dhanush, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Rashmika Mandanna, Jim Sarbh, K. Bhagyaraj, Dalip Tahil, Sayaji Shinde, Hareesh Peradi, Sunaina, Nassar, Jayaprakash, Bagavathi Perumal
• Directors: Sekhar Kammula
• Screenplay: Sekhar Kammula, Chaithanya Pingali
• Studios & Producers: Sree Venkateswara Cinemas LLP, Amigos Creations Pvt Ltd (Producers: Suniel Narang, Puskur Ram Mohan Rao)
• Voice Cast: Not Applicable
• Animation & Style: Not Applicable

OFFICIAL IMAGES

Plot Summary

“Kuberaa” is a high-octane crime drama set against the vibrant and often harsh backdrop of Mumbai, particularly its sprawling Dharavi slums. The narrative is a complex web intertwining the lives of three central figures: Deva (Dhanush), a kind-hearted and naive man from Tirupati who finds himself living as a beggar; Deepak (Nagarjuna Akkineni), a shrewd former CBI officer now in prison; and Neeraj Mitra (Jim Sarbh), a powerful and ambitious businessman.

The plot ignites when Neeraj discovers vast oil reserves and conspires with influential politicians to secretly exploit them for immense personal gain. To facilitate the massive black money transactions involved, he enlists Deepak, who devises an audacious plan: using unsuspecting beggars, including Deva, as frontmen for shell companies, turning them into paper billionaires overnight. However, the dark truth of the scheme soon comes to light as Deva realizes they are being systematically eliminated to erase all traces of the fraud. His desperate escape sparks a relentless manhunt, as Neeraj and Deepak race against time to capture him before the truth unravels. Along his perilous journey, Deva encounters Sameera (Rashmika Mandanna), whose role proves pivotal in his struggle for survival. “Kuberaa” is a brooding and introspective exploration of wealth, morality, the cost of ambition, and the human spirit’s resilience in the face of overwhelming corruption.

Cast & Crew

“Kuberaa” features a stellar and powerful cast that brings depth and intensity to its gritty narrative. Dhanush delivers a remarkably restrained yet emotionally resonant performance as Deva, a character who undergoes a significant physical and emotional transformation from a naive beggar to a man fighting for his life. His portrayal is a standout, drawing viewers into Deva’s moral dilemmas and struggle for survival. Nagarjuna Akkineni as Deepak is stoic and subdued, yet his presence smolders beneath the surface, providing a strong anchor to the film’s complex plot. Rashmika Mandanna plays a pivotal role, adding layers of charm and innocence that influence Deva’s journey. Jim Sarbh commands attention as Neeraj Mitra, the antagonist, bringing a quiet menace and formidable presence. The supporting cast, including veteran actors like K. Bhagyaraj, Dalip Tahil, and Sayaji Shinde, further enriches the film’s world. Director Sekhar Kammula has extracted compelling performances from his ensemble, ensuring that each character contributes significantly to the film’s high-stakes drama and moral questioning.

Critical & Audience Response

“Kuberaa” has opened to largely positive critical reception, marking a significant shift for director Sekhar Kammula into a darker, more intense genre. Critics have praised it as a “brooding, introspective take on wealth and morality” and an “engrossing social drama.” The film’s compelling story and Sekhar Kammula’s bold directional choices have been widely appreciated. Dhanush’s performance, in particular, has received widespread acclaim, with many calling it one of his finest, showcasing remarkable restraint and emotional depth. Nagarjuna Akkineni and Rashmika Mandanna also received praise for their nuanced roles.

However, some critiques pointed to pacing issues, particularly in the first half, which was sometimes described as slow-burning. While its unique approach was lauded, a few critics felt the pre-climax and climax could have been more emotionally connected or less rushed, and that the ending felt somewhat convenient. Despite these minor flaws, the film’s thought-provoking themes, atmospheric visuals, and strong performances have resonated strongly with both critics and audiences, leading to overall positive word-of-mouth. Its distinct narrative sets it apart from typical commercial potboilers, inviting deeper reflection on the cost of survival and ambition.

Direction & Cinematography

Director Sekhar Kammula makes a bold and impressive departure from his usual heartwarming dramas with “Kuberaa,” showcasing a darker, more intense directorial vision. He crafts a slow-burning yet gripping narrative that delves deep into the murky waters of black money and moral ambiguity. Kammula’s direction is meticulous, focusing on character development and the psychological toll of greed and survival. He orchestrates a complex plot with multiple layers, maintaining tension and drawing the audience into the high-stakes world of shadow finance. His ability to elicit powerful, restrained performances from his lead actors, particularly Dhanush, is a testament to his skill.

The cinematography by Niketh Bommi is a significant strength, contributing immensely to the film’s brooding atmosphere. Bommi’s camera work masterfully captures the contrasting worlds within the film—from the opulent, clandestine settings of the powerful to the gritty realities of Dharavi. His use of shadows and contrasts effectively reflects the duality and moral conflicts faced by the characters. The visuals are immersive, enhancing the sense of dread and urgency throughout the narrative. Bommi’s keen eye for detail and atmospheric lighting ensures that “Kuberaa” is not just a story, but a visually compelling experience that pulls the audience into its dark yet intriguing world.

Music & Background Score

The music and background score for “Kuberaa” are composed by the highly acclaimed Devi Sri Prasad (DSP). DSP, known for his versatile compositions in Indian cinema, brings a powerful and impactful score that perfectly complements the film’s crime thriller genre. His background score is subtle yet impactful, building tension and amplifying the dramatic stakes without overshadowing the narrative. It effectively punctuates key emotional beats and high-octane sequences, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Unlike many commercial potboilers where songs might take center stage, DSP’s work in “Kuberaa” is predominantly focused on creating a mood-driven, atmospheric soundscape that aligns with Sekhar Kammula’s darker vision. The score is expected to be integral to the film’s suspense and emotional depth, reflecting the characters’ internal turmoil and the dangerous world they navigate. The first single, “Poyivaa Nanba,” released prior to the film’s debut, hints at the emotional and thematic richness of the soundtrack, promising a score that adds significant value to the film’s overall impact.

Visuals & Special Effects

For a crime drama and thriller like “Kuberaa,” visuals and special effects are primarily utilized to enhance the realism and intensity of the narrative rather than for grand spectacle. The film’s visual appeal comes largely from Niketh Bommi’s cinematography, which crafts a distinctive visual style, bathing scenes in shadows and contrasts to reflect the film’s dark themes. The portrayal of Mumbai, particularly the gritty and vibrant Dharavi, is expected to be authentic and evocative, serving as a powerful backdrop to the unfolding events.

Any special effects would likely be subtle, focusing on enhancing action sequences or creating the necessary scale for the financial conspiracy elements without overtly drawing attention to themselves. The film relies more on its strong performances, tight screenplay, and atmospheric visuals to create its impact. The production design, including sets and locations, would be crucial in establishing the contrasting worlds of wealth and poverty, adding to the film’s visual storytelling and socio-economic commentary. Overall, the visuals and effects contribute to a grounded yet compelling cinematic experience, prioritizing narrative integrity over overt digital wizardry.

Editing & Screenplay

The editing of “Kuberaa,” handled by Karthika Srinivas R, plays a crucial role in maintaining the film’s tension and narrative flow across its complex plot. Given the film’s genre as a crime thriller, the editing is expected to be crisp and precise, allowing for seamless transitions between multiple storylines and character arcs. While some critics noted a slightly slow pace in the first half, the overall editing ensures that the film builds effectively towards its high-stakes moments, drawing the audience deeper into the conspiracy and the characters’ predicaments.

The screenplay, co-written by director Sekhar Kammula and Chaithanya Pingali, is the backbone of “Kuberaa’s” impact. It marks a significant thematic shift for Kammula, delving into darker, more introspective territory surrounding wealth, morality, and survival. The script is praised for its layered narrative, strong character development, and courageous exploration of uncomfortable questions about societal corruption and human nature. The dialogue is reportedly sharp and impactful, driving the story forward and highlighting the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. Despite some minor criticisms about the pacing and conclusion, the screenplay is largely seen as a bold and thought-provoking effort that keeps the audience intrigued with its unique blend of crime and social commentary.

Positives / What Works

“Kuberaa” comes with several strong positives that make it a compelling watch. Foremost is Dhanush’s exceptional and restrained performance as Deva, which anchors the film’s emotional core and has garnered widespread critical acclaim. Sekhar Kammula’s bold directorial shift into a gritty crime drama genre is commendable, showcasing his versatility and ability to tackle complex themes with depth. The film’s gripping and layered screenplay, which delves into timely issues of black money, corruption, and social inequality, keeps the audience engaged. The strong supporting performances from Nagarjuna Akkineni and Jim Sarbh also add significant weight. Niketh Bommi’s atmospheric cinematography enhances the mood and visual storytelling, making the film a visual treat. The film’s thought-provoking nature and its willingness to ask uncomfortable questions about wealth and morality are also major strengths.

Negatives / What Doesn’t Work

Despite its strengths, “Kuberaa” has a few aspects that might be perceived as negatives. Some critics noted that the film’s pacing in the first half is somewhat slow, taking its time to build the intricate world and character dynamics, which might test the patience of viewers expecting a faster-paced thriller. While the overall narrative is praised, a few reviews suggested that the pre-climax and climax felt a bit rushed and could have benefited from more emotional depth and seamless execution. The film’s unconventional narrative style, while a positive for some, might not appeal to audiences accustomed to more straightforward commercial entertainers. Additionally, despite strong critical reception, the film’s initial box office collections, though globally impressive, were slightly below the high expectations set for a multi-starrer featuring Dhanush, suggesting it might not have fully captured a wider commercial audience in its opening.

Final Verdict / Conclusion

“Kuberaa” is a compelling and daring cinematic effort that sees director Sekhar Kammula successfully venturing into a darker, more intense genre. Anchored by a phenomenal performance from Dhanush and strong support from Nagarjuna and Rashmika Mandanna, the film offers a brooding and thought-provoking exploration of power, greed, and the human cost of corruption. While its deliberate pacing in the initial half and a slightly rushed climax might be minor quibbles, the film’s overall gripping narrative, atmospheric visuals, and the profound questions it raises about wealth and morality make it a highly engaging watch. It’s a film that transcends typical commercial fare, offering a deeper, more introspective look at society’s underbelly. For those seeking a well-acted, intelligently crafted crime drama with a strong social commentary, “Kuberaa” is an essential viewing experience.

Movie Rating

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