Introduction:
Sekhar Kammula’s Kuberaa is a gritty and emotionally resonant crime thriller that blends socio-political commentary with raw drama. Starring Dhanush, Jim Sarbh, Nagarjuna Akkineni, and Rashmika Mandanna, the film is not just about corruption and power—it’s about the forgotten people caught in the middle of it all. Backed by a unique concept and strong performances, Kuberaa manages to be both engaging and thought-provoking.
Plot:
At the center of Kuberaa is Neeraj Mitra (Jim Sarbh), a cunning businessman pursuing a colossal ₹10,000 crore oil deal, laced with black money and shady alliances. To execute his plan, he seeks help from Deepak Tej (Nagarjuna Akkineni), an imprisoned former CBI officer with an uncompromising sense of integrity. Tej suggests using four unsuspecting beggars to act as pawns in the deal, thinking their anonymity would protect the operation. But Neeraj’s motives are darker than anyone anticipates. One of the beggars, Deva (Dhanush), soon finds himself caught in a dangerous labyrinth of lies, exploitation, and betrayal—highlighting the harsh truth of how the powerful manipulate the powerless.
Performance & Direction:
Sekhar Kammula deftly uses the thriller format to spotlight the marginalized, turning beggars into central characters in a high-stakes political game. His screenplay balances suspense with empathy, especially in scenes where Deva confronts the system that dehumanized him. The writing has its cinematic highs, though it occasionally slips into predictability in the second half.
Dhanush, however, elevates the film throughout. His portrayal of Deva is one of his most nuanced yet—showing quiet suffering, spiritual resilience, and eventual defiance. His physical transformation is striking, and his performance lingers long after the credits roll.
Nagarjuna Akkineni brings intensity to the conflicted Deepak Tej, although his stronger scenes lie in the film’s first half. Rashmika Mandanna makes a late but memorable entry as Sameera, offering warmth and moments of levity. Her chemistry with Dhanush adds a refreshing human touch. Jim Sarbh once again proves his villainous flair with a performance that is slick yet never caricatured. Saurav Khurana is a surprising standout, playing his antagonistic role with chilling believability.
What Works:
Dhanush’s powerhouse performance
Unique, socially relevant premise
Strong supporting cast
Memorable scenes like the wild dog sequence
Devi Sri Prasad’s intense background score
What Doesn’t:
Second half dips into predictability
Songs lack emotional punch
Editing could be crisper, especially in the latter part
Final Words:
Kuberaa is a compelling blend of message and mainstream cinema. It explores the darkness of corruption while giving voice to the unheard. With Dhanush at the helm of a gripping narrative, Sekhar Kammula delivers a film that is both thrilling and meaningful—despite some pacing issues. For fans of hard-hitting dramas and socially conscious thrillers, Kuberaa is well worth the watch.
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