Kuberaa: Dhanush’s Powerful Turn in a Social Crime-Thriller That Hits Hard

Released on 20 June 2025, Kuberaa is a gritty, emotionally charged crime drama directed by Sekhar Kammula and headlined by Dhanush, Nagarjuna, Rashmika Mandanna, and Jim Sarbh. It weaves a tale of power, corruption, and conscience, exploring how the downtrodden are used as pawns in high-stakes financial conspiracies.

Plot in Brief

Neeraj Mitra, a ruthless businessman, eyes an offshore oil find and ropes in Deepak, an ex-CBI officer turned morally compromised by the system. Together, they employ beggars—including Deva, a kind-hearted man from Tirupati—as unwitting conduits in a massive money-laundering racket. Things spiral out of control when Deva escapes, drawing the trio into a chase charged with betrayal, empathy, and moral reckoning.

Direction and Themes

Sekhar Kammula steps away from his trademark restraint to deliver a fast-paced socio-political thriller. He boldly tackles class inequality, corruption, and redemption, making Kuberaa a David-versus-Goliath story where beggars are both victims and catalysts of change. Yet, some critics note that the shift in tone—from familiar emotional beats to high-stakes drama—feels a bit uneven.

Performances

Dhanush delivers a deeply layered performance, going from a vulnerable beggar to a man driven by conscience, and shines especially in scenes showcasing compassion and inner turmoil.
Nagarjuna is a study in controlled intensity, portraying a man torn between duty and survival.
Rashmika Mandanna offers heartfelt support as Sameera, whose chemistry with Deva brings much-needed warmth to the narrative.
Jim Sarbh stands out as the calculated antagonist, adding chilling gravitas to the film’s darker moments.

Technical Craft

Cinematography by Niketh Bommireddy enhances the story with shadow-filled frames, mirroring the moral shades of its characters.
Devi Sri Prasad’s background score is intense and immersive, though some viewers feel it undercuts quieter moments.
Editing by Karthika Srinivas effectively navigates the nearly three-hour runtime, though pacing dips—especially in the second half—are noticeable.

Box Office and Reception

Kuberaa earned ₹13 crore net on day one in India, hitting ₹26 crore worldwide. By day three, global collections reached ₹79 crore, and by the end of week one, it had crossed ₹104 crore globally—making it Sekhar Kammula’s highest-grossing film to date.
By day 10 to 11, domestic earnings stood at ₹80–82 crore, with total worldwide collections estimated at ₹121.75 crore, ranking it among 2025’s top Tamil films.

What Clicks

  1. Bold storytelling that keeps audiences engaged with moral stakes and power play

  2. Stellar acting, especially from Dhanush and Nagarjuna

  3. Technical strength in sound design and visuals

What Stumbles

  1. Pacing issues in the second half, with predictability creeping in

  2. Overwrought background music in a few key emotional scenes

  3. A formulaic ending that undercuts the film’s earlier audacity

Final Verdict

Kuberaa is a gripping, socially resonant crime thriller that combines morally complex storytelling with compelling performances. Dhanush’s heartfelt portrayal and Sekhar Kammula’s ambition break new ground—even if the film occasionally falters in pacing and tone. Despite its flaws, Kuberaa succeeds as an engaging, thought-provoking cinematic experience.

Final Rating: 3.5 out of 5