'Kuberaa' Movie Review

'Kuberaa' Movie Review

Actors: Dhanush, Akkineni Nagarjuna, Rashmika Mandanna, Jim Sarbh, Dalip Tahil, Sunaina, Harish Paradi, Sayaji Shinde, Bhagyaraj and others

Music: Devi Sri Prasad

Cinematography: Niketh Bommi

Creative collaboration: Chaitanya Pingali

Producers: Sunil Narang- Puskur Rammohan Rao

Written & Directed by: Sekhar Kammula

When "Kuberaa" was first announced, the unexpected team-up of Dhanush, Nagarjuna, and Sekhar Kammula instantly grabbed attention. From day one, the project sparked curiosity. With its teaser and trailer raising the stakes further, the film has finally hit cinemas today, and let's see if it lives up to the hype.

Story:

Deva (Dhanush) grows up on the streets of Tirupati, forced into a life of begging after losing his parents at a young age. His fate takes a sharp turn when he and three other beggars are zeroed on by the men of Neeraj Chopra (Jim Sarbh), a wealthy businessman with a hidden agenda. Neeraj plans to use them in a large-scale scam, keeping his own hands clean, by giving the job to Deepak (Nagarjuna), a former CBI officer. However, Deva slips away, setting off a chain of events that spirals into chaos. What exactly is Neeraj's plan for the beggars? Why did Deepak agree to be part of something like this? Can they track down Deva, and does the scheme go as planned? These are the answers Kubera holds, waiting to unfold on screen.

Analysis:

Director Sekhar Kammula is known for his signature emotional dramas, and the audience would expect that even Kuberaa would be on similar lines. For the kind of films he made so far, they don't really expect something out of the box. But, this film defies expectations from the first frame. Anyone stepping into the theatre expecting his usual style is in for a surprise. Right from the start, Kubera pulls viewers into its world; one filled with tension, unpredictability, and a story that doesn't follow any tried-tested formula.

The film revolves around a sharp contrast: a ruthless businessman who dreams of becoming the world's richest man, and a poor orphan who begs on the streets just to survive. On paper, it sounds unusual and crazy, but what unfolds on screen is a tight, focused narrative where no character feels out of place. Kammula strips away the usual hero-villain stereotypes and sticks to telling the story, keeping the pace high and the tension constant. Every moment serves the plot, and nothing feels forced or added for effect. Sekhar Kammula said in advance that watching Kuberaa will give you a shocker as it transports the audience to a new world. Though some felt that his words were an exaggeration, indeed they are true.

What's striking is how the film tackles its big themes without getting preachy. The class conflict at its heart is handled through suspense, action, and sharp dialogue rather than lectures or slow scenes. A clever musical thread ties it all together. While the villain sings in 'Naadi Naadi' in the beginning, the hero turns the same song as 'Maadi Maadi' towards the end, summing up the film's central point with impact. Kammula takes a risk with this unusual concept and delivers it with energy and style.

Kuberaa doesn't try to play safe or familiar. It gives audiences something unexpected, something they won't easily forget. Yes, some parts may stretch logic, like how the richest person in India is suffocating to trace a beggar, but the high it delivers makes you overlook the small flaws. This is a film that keeps you thinking long after you leave the theatre, which is a rare experience in today's cinema.

Performances:

What stands out in Kuberaa is not how natural the performances feel, but how they blend us into the world. Usually in Sekhar Kammula's films, actors don't seem like they're acting. they simply are their characters. That's exactly what happens here. Dhanush delivers a masterclass as Deva, the beggar. From the moment he appears, you forget the star and only see the man living on the streets. Every detail, from his body language to the smallest expressions, fits the role perfectly. It's hard to imagine another hero with a big image taking on this part so fearlessly.

Nagarjuna, as Deepak, offers something we haven't seen from him in a long time. He sets aside his screen image and fully embraces the part, giving a restrained, thoughtful performance that fits the role's complexity. Rashmika brings depth to Sameera. Her screen time may be limited, but her character's impact is felt throughout the story. She blends well into the role of an ordinary middle-class woman.

Jim Sarbh plays the villain with a twist of freshness, standing out even though the role leans on familiar lines. His presence on-screen, whenever pops up, grabs attention. Supporting actors like Sunaina, Sayaji Shinde, Dalip Tahil, Bhagyaraj, and Harish Peradi make the most of their moments, each adding something solid to the film.

Kuberaa shines because the actors don't just perform, but they inhabit their characters, making the world of the film feel real. The story left a lasting mark because of these honest portrayals.

Technicians:

When you hear Devi Sri Prasad's name, you expect a certain style, but Kuberaa takes a different route. He set aside his usual formula and delivered music that matched the story's mood. The background score keeps the tension alive and adds weight to key moments. Naadi Naadi stands out as the song that stays with you. There's no forced commercial number as every piece of music serves the story.

Niketh Bommi's cinematography gives Kubera a unique look, with visuals that feel fresh and distinct. The production values are solid too, bringing the director's vision to life.

Sekhar Kammula, working with writer Chaitanya Pingali, steps far beyond what people expect from him. He's crafted a hard-hitting drama that surprises you with its intensity. The writing, the direction, the tone; everything feels focused and powerful.

Kuberaa isn't just another film in Kammula's career. It's one of his boldest and most striking works, showing what happens when a filmmaker dares to break his own mold.

Final Word: Kuberaa.. a great story told by Kammula

Rating: 3.25/5