Kuberaa (2025) Movie NetMirror

Kuberaa stands as one of 2025’s most ambitious cinematic endeavors, bringing together the directorial brilliance of Sekhar Kammula with powerhouse performances from Dhanush, Nagarjuna Akkineni, and Rashmika Mandanna. This socio-political thriller represents a significant departure from Kammula’s usual romantic dramas, venturing into the darker territories of crime, corruption, and moral ambiguity.

Originally announced in June 2021 as D51 (marking Dhanush’s 51st film), the project evolved into DNS before settling on its final title, Kuberaa, in March 2024. The film’s multilingual approach, shot simultaneously in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi, showcases the growing trend of pan-Indian cinema with a reported budget of ₹120 crores.

Kuberaa Movie Casting

Plot and Storyline

Kuberaa revolves around the pursuit of wealth and its consequences, following a beggar who undergoes a dramatic transformation while exploring themes of greed, ambition, and moral dilemmas. The narrative centers on the conflict between three distinct societal classes: the ultra-rich, the middle class, and the extremely poor.

The story follows Deepak (Nagarjuna), a CBI officer from a middle-class background who masterminds a massive ₹1 lakh crore scam, recruiting beggars as part of his elaborate plan. At the heart of this web is Deva (Dhanush), a destitute man whose life takes a dramatic turn as he navigates the treacherous corridors of power and wealth.

The plot unfolds in Mumbai’s sprawling Dharavi slums, where the intersection of these characters’ lives reveals a complex web of ambition and greed. Deva’s transformation from a beggar to a significant player challenges societal norms and personal ethics.

Cast Performances

Dhanush delivers what critics are calling one of his career-best performances as Deva. Director Sekhar Kammula emphasizes that no one else could do justice to the character, and his performance is truly fabulous. I found his portrayal of a man rising from the streets particularly compelling.

Nagarjuna Akkineni brings restraint and depth to his role as Deepak, the CBI officer caught in moral dilemmas. His dialogue delivery is intentionally toned down, and his body language perfectly aligns with the character’s internal struggle between right and wrong.

Rashmika Mandanna plays a pivotal role that influences Deva’s journey. The supporting cast, including Jim Sarbh as a greedy businessman, delivers effective performances that blend seamlessly into the film’s high-end corporate world.

Direction and Technical Excellence

Sekhar Kammula takes a complete departure from his feel-good films, crafting a hard-hitting social drama laced with commercial elements. The director promises that Kuberaa offers a never-before-seen experience, describing it as a billionaire versus beggar storyline.

Devi Sri Prasad’s music composition includes the chart-busting track Poyivaa Nanba, which has gained massive traction since its release. Niketh Bommireddy’s cinematography masterfully contrasts the world of poverty and opulence, while the editing ensures visual finesse and immersive storytelling.

Critical Reception and Reviews

Early reviews from critics have been largely positive. Actor-critic Kuldeep Gadhvi awarded Kuberaa 4.5 stars, describing it as a visually rich, emotionally layered, and phenomenally directed crime drama. He emphasized that it’s a slow-burn, cerebral crime thriller that holds attention for most of its 3 hours.

Self-proclaimed critic Umair Sandhu gave the film 3.5 stars, calling it a powerful crime thriller with top-notch performances. The consensus among early reviewers is that the film offers fresh plotting and consistent emotional engagement.

Professional critics noted that Kuberaa offers a completely fresh plot, with neatly written drama and emotions that work consistently. I personally feel the film’s emotional core, rooted in the beggar world, brings genuine authenticity to the narrative.

Ratings and Public Response

IMDb currently rates Kuberaa at 7.4 out of 10, indicating strong audience reception. The film’s runtime of 3 hours and 1 minute has been managed effectively, with critics noting that the narrative maintains engagement throughout.

Trade analysts report that the overall Kuberaa buzz is moderate but certainly not dull. Advance booking data shows that over 12,000 tickets were sold on Book My Show portal in just 24 hours, indicating healthy pre-release interest.

What Works Well

The film excels in several key areas:

Unique Storytelling – The billionaire versus beggar concept brings freshness to Indian cinema, offering a perspective rarely explored with such depth.

Performance Excellence – Both Dhanush and Nagarjuna deliver career-defining performances that anchor the film’s emotional weight.

Technical Brilliance – The cinematography’s contrast between poverty and wealth, combined with impactful music, creates a compelling experience.

Social Relevance – The film’s exploration of economic inequality and moral dilemmas resonates strongly with contemporary issues.

Areas for Improvement

While Kuberaa largely succeeds, certain aspects could have been enhanced:

Pacing Issues – Some critics noted that certain character introductions disrupt the carefully built tempo.

High-Concept Approach – The financial scam angle stays at a high-concept level without delving deeper into technical aspects.

Runtime Management – At 3 hours, the film’s length might test some audiences’ patience.

Box Office Performance

Early indicators suggest strong commercial potential, with industry reports noting that the hype is reflected in ticket sales. Trade predictions suggest the film has potential to recover its ₹120 crore investment based on star power and positive reception.

The advance booking trends across multiple states show healthy interest, particularly in Telugu and Tamil markets.

Final Verdict

Kuberaa emerges as a bold and ambitious social thriller that successfully combines commercial entertainment with meaningful storytelling. Sekhar Kammula’s direction, combined with powerhouse performances, creates a compelling narrative that explores relevant social themes.

The film’s technical excellence, particularly in cinematography and music, enhances its overall impact. While it faces minor pacing issues, Kuberaa succeeds in delivering a fresh, engaging, and socially relevant cinematic experience.

For audiences seeking intelligent entertainment with strong performances and social commentary, Kuberaa represents one of 2025’s most significant cinematic achievements. I would recommend this film to viewers who appreciate character-driven narratives with social relevance and are willing to invest in a longer cinematic experience.

With its unique premise, stellar cast, and technical brilliance, Kuberaa stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, where commercial success and meaningful storytelling coexist effectively.