Kuberaa

Kuberaa is a 2025 Indian bilingual crime drama film (shot in Telugu and Tamil) directed by Sekhar Kammula, marking his return to a high-stakes thriller after a string of feel-good dramas. Co-written by Kammula and Chaithanya Pingali, it’s produced by Sree Venkateswara Cinemas LLP and Amigos Creations. The film explores themes of greed, corruption, class disparity, and redemption through a tale of money laundering, financial espionage, and moral awakening. It premiered worldwide on June 20, 2025, and became available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video starting July 18, 2025, in multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada.

Plot Summary

The story revolves around a ruthless billionaire, Neeraj (Jim Sarbh), who orchestrates a massive money-laundering scheme using homeless beggars as “benamis” (nominee accounts) to siphon billions, aided by a disgraced civil servant, Deepak (Nagarjuna). One beggar, Deva (Dhanush), uncovers the plot and escapes with ₹10,000 crore (about $1.2 billion) in his account, sparking a deadly nationwide manhunt. Deva crosses paths with Sameera (Rashmika Mandanna), an activist, and together they plot to redirect the stolen funds toward uplifting the underprivileged, clashing with corrupt CBI officers and power brokers. The narrative blends satire on societal inequalities with high-octane action, though it falters in its pacing and resolution.

Cast and Crew

• Director/Screenwriter: Sekhar Kammula
• Co-Writer: Chaithanya Pingali
• Producers: Suniel Narang, Puskur Rammohan Rao (Amigos Creations); Vipul Agarwal, Ajay Kaikala, Sonali Narang
• Music: Devi Sri Prasad (DSP) – Known for hits like “Poyiraa Mama” and “Anaganaga Kadha.”
• Cinematography: Niketh Bommi Reddy
• Editing: Karthika Srinivas
• Production Design: Thota Tharani

Key Cast:

Performances: Dhanush and Nagarjuna Shine

The casting of Kuberaa is its greatest strength, offering powerhouse performances that elevate the material.

Dhanush as Deva is simply electrifying. He embodies the vulnerability, trauma, and primal resilience of a man who lives on the fringes of society. His physical transformation and nuanced acting ensure that you don’t see the star, but only Deva—a man who carries his faith and his suffering with equal measure. The film’s most poignant moments belong to him, particularly his silent defiance and his simple, profound desire for justice for the downtrodden. It’s a performance that makes the film a must-watch crime thriller.

Nagarjuna Akkineni perfectly complements Dhanush in the grey-shaded role of Deepak. Nagarjuna portrays the character’s internal conflict—a man of integrity forced into the darkness—with stoic intensity, delivering his most impactful work in recent years. Jim Sarbh, as the antagonist Neeraj Mitra, brings his signature quiet menace, embodying the cold, one-note cruelty of corporate greed.

Rashmika Mandanna, as Sameera, is a ray of light and a necessary emotional anchor. Her character’s relationship with Deva adds a crucial layer of humanity, acting as a catalyst for Deva’s final stand.

Direction and Technical Craft

Sekhar Kammula‘s decision to tackle a Telugu crime drama has proven a success, showcasing his versatility. He maintains a breakneck pace, especially in the latter half, creating an atmosphere of relentless tension. While some critics noted the 3-hour runtime feels laborious due to a slower build-up in the first half, the intricate storytelling and moral complexity compensate for any minor pacing issues.

The technical brilliance cannot be ignored. Devi Sri Prasad’s background score is subtle yet effective, underlining the emotional intensity without overpowering the narrative. Cinematographer Niketh Bommi captures the gritty, high-stakes universe of Mumbai’s financial and street underbellies with evocative visuals.

Final Verdict: A Bold, Essential South Indian Film

Kuberaa is a bold stroke of filmmaking that raises pertinent questions about wealth inequality and the forgotten segments of society. Despite a conventional, slightly rushed climax that doesn’t quite live up to the spectacular build-up, the film’s ambition, its complex characters, and the sheer brilliance of Dhanush’s performance make it a profoundly engaging and essential South Indian cinema experience. Fans looking for an intense, socially relevant Telugu thriller should rush to catch Kuberaa in theaters or when it arrives on OTT.

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