A Bold Shift for Sekhar Kammula
Director Sekhar Kammula, best known for his quiet, intimate dramas, takes a sharp detour in Kuberaa, a searing socio-political thriller set against the brutal landscape of capitalism, corruption, and inequality. With a powerhouse cast led by Dhanush, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Rashmika Mandanna, and Jim Sarbh, this 3-hour Telugu drama swings between deeply moving moments and some narrative rough patches — but it never loses its voice.
A Tale of Two Worlds
Kuberaa thrives on contrast. At one end is Neeraj Mitra (Jim Sarbh) — a ruthless billionaire who believes power and perception go hand in hand. At the other is Deva (Dhanush), a homeless man caught in a sinister plot far beyond his understanding. The narrative threads their lives together with Deepak (Nagarjuna), a disgraced former CBI officer who’s pulled into Neeraj’s game out of compulsion, not greed.
Thematically, the film strikes at the core of societal apathy — questioning whether the poor are invisible only in life or also in death. There’s a gut-wrenching moment where a beggar is denied a proper cremation — a moment that haunts the narrative until Deva, in a moment of silent rebellion, returns dignity to death.
Performances That Carry the Film
Dhanush Shines in a Vulnerable Role
Dhanush delivers one of his most understated and affecting performances. As Deva, he isn’t just playing a victim of circumstance — he embodies the strength and resilience of those the world chooses not to see. His subtlety, body language, and emotional depth elevate the film, grounding its lofty ideas in real human pain.
Nagarjuna’s Inner Conflict
Nagarjuna, in a rare morally grey role, is equally compelling. His character Deepak is not your typical antagonist — he’s a man slowly losing his battle with integrity. There’s one scene where he returns home to quietly check on his family after committing a morally questionable act — and it lands with quiet devastation.
Jim Sarbh’s Chilling Presence
Though his screen time is limited, Jim Sarbh is memorably menacing. As the corporate villain, he exudes quiet dominance, and his eerie calm adds weight to his character’s ideology-driven cruelty.
Rashmika Mandanna Adds Nuance and Warmth
Rashmika Mandanna, playing Sameera, brings both humour and heart into a heavy narrative. Initially positioned as an observer from the sidelines, her character gradually evolves, symbolising the reluctant middle-class awakening to the system’s rot. Her chemistry with Dhanush adds emotional relief and some quiet moments of joy, giving the film a much-needed breather from its relentless pace.
Technical Merits and Misses
Cinematographer Niketh Bommireddy captures the sharp divide between opulence and decay with visual finesse. The swanky high-rises and the stench-filled slums both come alive without feeling stylised. Thota Tharani’s production design supports this contrast, while Devi Sri Prasad’s background score shifts moods effectively — though it borders on overwhelming during some emotional stretches.
Editing is where Kuberaa slightly falters. The first half, while necessary for world-building, could’ve used tighter pacing. A few subplots feel forced and undercooked.
A Film With Purpose, But Not Without Flaws
Sekhar Kammula is clearly on a mission — to tell a story that’s both urgent and universal. He paints with bold strokes: beggars used as pawns, power brokers manipulating from the shadows, and a society indifferent to the underclass. But in trying to juggle too many themes — political corruption, religious faith, social hierarchy — the narrative occasionally loses clarity.
That said, the final act is gripping. Once the chase begins, and the masks start falling, the film picks up momentum. The themes of betrayal, survival, and spiritual strength converge in a well-executed climax that rewards patient viewers.
Final Verdict: ★★★½☆ (3.5/5 Stars)
Kuberaa isn’t perfect, but it’s powerful. It dares to challenge norms, putting marginalised voices front and center in a mainstream format. Dhanush’s magnetic performance and Nagarjuna’s quiet intensity make up for some of the film’s narrative inconsistencies. Jim Sarbh and Rashmika Mandanna round off a committed cast that elevates the material. While the film could have benefited from more focused storytelling, it remains an ambitious, thought-provoking watch.
Currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Kuberaa is a film that deserves attention — not just for its craft, but for its conscience.