Kuberaa Movie Review – A Smart, Soulful Thriller That Breaks the Mold

Filmmaker Shekhar Kammula has always held a special place in Telugu cinema for one reason: his ability to change its colour and tone through stories that strike a deep emotional chord. Films like Anand, Godavari, Leader, Happy Days, and Fidaa are timeless classics—films that stay with you and demand repeat viewings. His latest venture Kuberaa, starring Dhanush, Nagarjuna, and Rashmika Mandanna, follows suit with a premise that’s both fresh and layered.

The story kicks off with an ex-CBI officer (Nagarjuna) being hired by a top corporate mogul to orchestrate the illegal transfer of ₹1 Lakh Crore—both white and black—across political and personal networks to build an oil empire. To execute this shadowy operation, he recruits four beggars from across India, one of whom is Deva (Dhanush) from Tirupati. But what starts as a calculated scheme soon spirals into unexpected chaos.

Kammula’s signature lies in his characterizations, and here too, he delivers. The arcs of both Dhanush and Nagarjuna are beautifully etched and conclude satisfyingly. While the first half feels slightly stretched, the second half gains strong momentum, with gripping sequences and emotional payoffs.

Performance-wise, both leads shine. Nagarjuna surprises with a measured, intense role that breaks away from his usual suave image. Dhanush, as expected, is grounded and natural. Rashmika Mandanna makes her entry at the interval mark, and her character becomes more relevant in the second half. The antagonists are well-written, adding weight to the narrative.

One of the biggest surprises is Devi Sri Prasad’s music—refreshingly different from his usual style, lending soul to the film. The cinematography is neat and complements the mood, while the editing keeps things tight, especially in the latter portions.

Despite a slightly long runtime (close to 3 hours), Kuberaa is a compelling watch. With its unique plot, strong performances, and emotional core, Shekhar Kammula delivers a film that both entertains and engages.