Kuberaa (2025): A Storm of Emotions and Crime
Sekhar Kammula did not return to the director’s chair for a light film. With Kuberaa, he tackled a story of betrayal, identity, and the weight of choices in a morally decaying society. He chose a bold narrative, blending the world of crime and corporate greed with the emotional undertow of human survival. This movie does not just entertain—it forces the audience to reflect.
🎭 Plot: Grit, Greed, and Grace
The film opens with Neeraj Mitra, played by Jim Sarbh, a cold and calculative corporate tycoon. He uncovers a buried oil resource and plans to steal it from beneath government eyes. But instead of professionals, he chooses society’s forgotten—homeless people and beggars—to carry out his mission, believing no one will suspect or miss them.
Neeraj recruits Deepak, a retired CBI officer, played by Nagarjuna. Deepak, burnt out and disillusioned, agrees—possibly out of frustration or fear. In the shadows of this scheme stands Deva, played by Dhanush, a quiet, haunted man who becomes the lynchpin of this story.
Deva doesn’t remain a pawn for long. When he discovers the full truth behind the operation, he escapes. On the run, he crosses paths with Sameera, played by Rashmika Mandanna, a social worker who becomes his emotional anchor. Their relationship blossoms amid violence and despair.
The second half pushes Deva into a moral war against Neeraj and Deepak. Every choice he makes demands a piece of his soul. He transforms from a desperate fugitive to a man willing to confront evil, no matter the cost.
🌟 Performances: Powerhouses at Work
Dhanush dominates every frame he appears in. He does not act—he transforms. His portrayal of Deva carries a storm of vulnerability, rage, and quiet strength. When Deva breaks down or bursts into action, the audience feels every heartbeat. Viewers called this the best performance of his career, and critics echoed that praise.
Nagarjuna Akkineni brought incredible depth to Deepak. His eyes reflected years of guilt and frustration. He played the conflicted man with subtlety and intensity. Though Sekhar Kammula could have written more screen time for him, Nagarjuna never wasted a second on screen.
Rashmika Mandanna appeared in the film’s second half but stole hearts almost immediately. She portrayed Sameera with warmth, resilience, and strength. She didn’t act as a mere romantic interest—she brought her own arc and agency into the story.
Jim Sarbh delivered another memorable antagonist. He did not scream or threaten. He controlled. His calm tone felt more terrifying than shouting. Jim made Neeraj a character who disgusts yet fascinates.
Supporting actors such as Dalip Tahil and Sayaji Shinde strengthened the narrative by adding realism and weight to the ensemble.
🎶 Technical Aspects: A Feast for the Senses
Music and Background Score: Devi Sri Prasad gave the story its emotional language. His background score heightened the tension, especially during scenes of silence and dread. He used instruments to mirror Deva’s inner turmoil and victory. Though a few songs in the first half felt unnecessary, the score tied the film together beautifully.
Cinematography: Niketh Bommireddy shot the film with precision. He didn’t rely on glossy filters. He showed the streets raw, the characters in dim and dusty corners, and the violence without over-stylization. The visuals told a story of their own. From bustling cities to desolate ruins, each frame carried meaning.
Editing: Karthika Srinivas trimmed the film down to just over three hours. While the first half raced ahead, the second half slowed slightly. The emotional arcs dragged in places, but never enough to disengage the viewer. A bit more tightening in the climax might have helped, but overall, the editing held strong.
🧠 Themes: What Kuberaa Truly Speaks About
Sekhar Kammula did not direct Kuberaa as a simple action-thriller. He explored what it means to be human in a world that commodifies poverty. He examined how society abandons its weakest, and how sometimes, those abandoned souls rise up in unexpected rebellion.
Deva’s journey is not about revenge alone. It’s about reclaiming dignity. His trauma, the manipulation he suffers, and his fight to break free reflect the lives of many unheard voices.
Even Deepak’s character warns us of moral decay. Once a symbol of law and justice, Deepak chooses silence when faced with corruption. His descent contrasts Deva’s rise.
💥 Public Response: Roaring Applause
Audiences across India flooded theatres on release day. In several cities, fans danced, burst crackers, and screamed every time Dhanush appeared on screen. Dhanush visited a theatre with his son Lingaa, and reporters captured him wiping tears during the standing ovation.
On social media, the hashtag #Kuberaa trended for 24 hours. Film lovers called it “cinema with soul,” “a career-defining performance,” and “2025’s most emotionally charged movie.” Viewers loved the unpredictability, the grit, and the honest storytelling.
💰 Box Office Buzz: A Strong Start
Early estimates placed the film’s first-day earnings at ₹15 crore across India. Within a few hours, trade analysts adjusted the figure to ₹13 crore—still a remarkable start for a character-driven crime drama.
Many exhibitors called the bookings for Kuberaa “better than expected,” especially in Telugu and Tamil regions. The multiplex audience and single-screen crowd both embraced the story.
🧭 Final Verdict: An Unmissable Journey
Kuberaa is not a film you watch casually. It demands attention. It rewards viewers who invest emotionally. Sekhar Kammula wrote and directed a story that speaks with pain, purpose, and poetry.
Dhanush led with intensity. Nagarjuna offered balance. Rashmika added emotional light. And Jim Sarbh reminded everyone that sometimes villains smile more than they snarl.
The film reminds us that wealth without ethics destroys lives, but courage can still shine through even in darkness. Kuberaa will stay in your mind long after you leave the theatre.
Genre: Crime-Drama, Thriller
Language: Telugu, Tamil (dubbed in Hindi, Malayalam, Kannada)
Runtime: Approx. 3 hours
Director: Sekhar Kammula
Starring: Dhanush, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Rashmika Mandanna, Jim Sarbh
Music Composer: Devi Sri Prasad
Release Date: June 20, 2025
Budget: ₹120 Crore (approx.)
