User reviews

"Kuberaa" (2025) emerges as a significant showcase for Dhanush, who delivers a truly stunning, arguably career-best performance. His transformation and embodiment of the character are captivating throughout. However, despite this central strength, the film is hampered by its excessive length and a rushed climax that ultimately undercuts its impact.

Dhanush is the undeniable highlight of the film. His portrayal of a complex character is nuanced, raw, and deeply compelling, demonstrating his exceptional range and commitment. He elevates every scene he's in, making it a performance worthy of major accolades.

The film, directed by Sekhar Kammula, attempts a multi-layered narrative delving into financial crimes and societal power structures. The initial premise is good, offering an intriguing setup that promises depth and engagement. The supporting cast, including Nagarjuna and Rashmika Mandanna, also deliver strong performances, adding to the film's overall quality.

However, "Kuberaa" struggles with its pacing, particularly in the middle sections. The narrative feels protracted, and there are moments where the film becomes tiring, losing the viewer's consistent engagement. This extended runtime dilutes the impact of the unfolding events. Furthermore, the climax, despite the preceding build-up, feels rushed and doesn't land with the emotional punch or narrative satisfaction it should have, leaving a sense of unfulfilled potential.

While "Kuberaa" is a good film with a compelling core and a standout performance from Dhanush, its length and a weak, hurried ending prevent it from reaching the heights it otherwise could have achieved.

Could have easily cut down the total run time to 150mins, felt like I was in for a long chase right from the moment Deva escaped from the baddies. And to top that some of those chase sequences felt repetitive and tired. But Dhanush did a fine job in portraying the role of a beggar, he literally got himself immersed in the character and made us feel like we were watching the life of a real beggar. Rest of the characters too did a great job in their roles. And coming to the score, at times it was good especially the one for Neeraj(played by Jim Sarbh). Overall a decent film with some shortcomings.

What if billions of dollars in oil reserves could make or break a nation's future? Kuberaa opens with this tantalizing premise, weaving a web of financial espionage where CBI officers, corrupt businessmen, and shadowy power brokers circle each other like sharks.

For most of its runtime, Sekhar Kammula's thriller keeps you guessing who's playing whom in this high-stakes game of greed and justice. Then comes that ending, and suddenly, all that carefully built tension deflates like a punctured tire.

Nagarjuna delivers a compelling performance as Deepak, a disillusioned CBI officer, showcasing more emotional range than his recent commercial outings. His internal conflict feels authentic and lived-in. Dhanush, in a pivotal role, brings his trademark intensity, though his character arc feels somewhat under-explored compared to his stellar work in recent Tamil films. Jim Sarbh as the ambitious businessman Neeraj Mitra is deliciously menacing, in stark contrast to his Homi Bhabha in Rocket Boys. Rashmika Mandanna, while serviceable, doesn't quite transcend the limitations of her role. Dalip Tahil is wasted in an inconsequential role.

Kammula crafts a visually striking film that tackles corruption and power with admirable ambition. The oil reserve subplot provides genuine intrigue, and the film's first two acts maintain impressive momentum. However, the resolution feels rushed and somewhat predictable, preventing what could have been a truly memorable thriller from reaching its full potential.

Despite its flawed conclusion, Kuberaa succeeds as both entertainment and a window into Telugu cinema's evolving sensibilities.

Each and every Sekhar Kammula's film promises an engaging and beautiful story that takes us into the movie. But that is missing in this movie. The first half is pretty good, and it hypes the movie so that by the interval, everyone will be waiting for some twists and turns and something big happening in the last, but that's not what happens. In the first half, they take us to an extreme point where we feel eager to know what's gonna happen next. The second half is a bit lagging but we will still be waiting for something. Which, in the last, remains untouched.

Only Danush's action is the one that holds us in our seats throughout the movie. He did an outstanding and brilliant job, which not all leading superstars dare to do. Other co-stars like Nagarjuna and Rashmika also did well, but Jim Sarbh, who played the role of antagonist, should be praised for his performance. But the biggest drawback is the climax. Many things that were meant to be revealed in the last were not which leaves the audience in a pool of confusion and doubts. This film is watchable but only once, and if you're someone who enjoys the performances than the plot, it's a big yes for watching it in the theatres; otherwise, you can wait for OTT...

A more preachy movie which has its moments but mostly resembling 80's cringe ... This is period of movie making where messages has to be told subtle with good entertaining elements which can take the message to people though not a new message not ever told..but when you want to tell it make it more entertaining as people are speningd their 3 hrs not to watch BHAGAVATH GEETHA but a movie. Shekar , the director made a cringe out of it. The plot is interesting with some thriller elements ...But climax last 20 minutes is more absurd and pulled the movie... Nagarajuna, the king actor to me, is wasted in an unimpressive role with not much interesting to do as his angle of the movie was also very superlatively shown with no depth... Dhanush was more natural in his acting and casual . Rashmika did her role well but again completely wasted with not much relevance in the context of the movie... Bhagyaraj in an unidentifiable role but again wastwd. Villains were more Hindi speaking and has major lip sync issues so was more irritating than generating interest... Overall a disappointing adventure by an exciting director More suitable OTT watch ..

Kuberaa is a decent movie overall. If I had to put it simply in one line, that's it. The performances are top notch, but the characters aren't very strong. Cinematography, storytelling, visuals and all technical stuff is really good, but the story gets boring. It's more than 3 hours long and starts feeling draggy. There's no real excitement in the movie, it just goes smoothly without any scene that stands out. Instead of love, the movie talks more about humanity - shows one side of the story from a beggar's perspective with a human touch. One good thing is Dhanush's acting, he was excellent and even without heroism or mass elements, his character felt real. Rashmika's role felt wasted. Overall it's a normal watch with some disappointment.

The film feels fresh and good overall, but it still carries some cliché baggage-especially when it comes to the villains. The hero's character, though, is rare and really interesting. The first half is very good and the second half graph goes down.

It's a long ride-some scenes are fantastic, some drag like a Monday morning, and the rest are just... there. Dialogues feel pretty generic, nothing that sticks.

Dhanush absolutely nails it-can't imagine anyone else in that role. Nagarjuna looks cool and plays a refreshing part; he does a decent job.

It could've been even better if they had swapped Rashmika with Sunaina, she brought real talent to a tiny role, while Rashmika had a better role but didn't quite bring it to life.

Music fits well, cinematography looks great, and the production design is top-class-very natural and detailed. Direction is good too. Shekhar Kammula experiments a bit but still sticks to his usual flavor.

It's a good film-not a must-watch classic, but definitely not a flop either. Had the potential to be great, but missed the mark by a bit. Whether to catch it in theatres, wait for OTT, or skip it-totally your call.

With Kubera, Indian cinema offers a striking meditation on the corrupting power of wealth, told through the intimate, unsettling journey of a man thrust from the margins of society into its golden center. Far from the tropes of rags-to-riches storytelling, this film approaches economic mobility not as a triumph, but as a crisis existential, moral, and spiritual.

Directed with remarkable clarity and restraint, Kubera follows the trajectory of a beggar whose sudden rise into affluence acts as a catalyst for an internal unravelling. The narrative arc resists melodrama and embraces a more psychological realism, examining how social class, trauma, and ambition intersect.

Dhanush's performance is a central pillar of the film's success. It is not performative in the traditional sense, but inhabited almost lived. His ability to modulate between the vulnerability of the dispossessed and the performative confidence of the newly powerful is subtle and deeply affecting. He embodies the contradictions at the heart of the film: pride and shame, desire and guilt, survival and self-destruction.

The film's screenplay is economical and deliberate. There is little exposition; meaning is built through gesture, image, and silence. Dialogue is sparse, leaving space for the audience to interpret rather than consume. In this way, Kubera aligns itself with a more contemplative tradition of filmmaking recalling, at times, the moral ambiguity of European neorealism or the social critique of Indian parallel cinema.

Visually, the film employs a carefully constructed aesthetic. The contrast between the chaotic, dusty realism of the protagonist's early life and the cold, glossy sterility of his later environment is not just symbolic it is diagnostic. The cinematography does not romanticize poverty nor glamorize wealth; instead, it reveals both as psychological spaces as much as material ones. The lighting, in particular, evolves with the character's inner world: dim and earthy in the early scenes, then increasingly sharp, distant, and artificial as he ascends.

The score is equally considered. It refrains from overemphasis, choosing instead to serve the internal rhythm of the film. Moments of tension are often underlined not with music, but with silence, forcing the viewer to sit with discomfort rather than be guided through it emotionally.

What distinguishes Kubera from many of its contemporaries is its refusal to resolve itself through easy catharsis. There is no simplistic moral takeaway, no forced redemption. Instead, the film concludes in a space of ethical ambiguity, leaving the viewer with a set of unresolved tensions. This ambiguity is not a flaw, but a strength. It affirms the film's seriousness as a work of art its desire not to entertain, but to provoke thought.

In the context of Dhanush's broader filmography, Kubera represents a significant contribution. Known for his versatility and commitment to challenging roles, Dhanush here participates in a project that aims for something more than mainstream appeal. It is a film with thematic ambition, stylistic discipline, and political resonance.

Kubera invites reflection not only on individual choices but on the structures that shape them. In doing so, it asserts cinema's enduring role as a mirror not just to society's surface, but to its deepest ethical and psychological fractures.

I had no expectations for Kuberaa because I didn't like Sekhar Kammula's recent movies-the last one I liked was 'Life Is Beautiful' back in 2012.

But to my surprise, I enjoyed Kuberaa. I decided to like the film in the first 30 minutes itseld because it wastes no time and dives straight into the movie's plot and establishes the equation between the antagonist and the two protagonists very clearly.

The first half is really good, with no big issues. The second half is also good because more of the story is revealed here, but it's a bit less interesting since it moves slower, has some clichés before the end, and the ending is just average.

Dhanush is great as usual-no one else could play his character. Nagarjuna is good, but he could be better; I'm not sure if it's his acting or the way his character was written, but something felt off, especially in the second half. Still, I'm glad he's doing roles that fit his age. Jim Sarbh is very good in his part. Rashmika is good too, and you can see she tried hard, especially in the real dumpyard scenes. DSP's music is okay.

Overall, Kuberaa could have been better but I was satisfied and happy that Sekhar Kammula is still in the race and he is not dated yet. Especially I liked how he shot realistic backstories of Deva and Dipya - this added some originality and authenticity to the charecters and the movie.

WORST 3 hours of my entire life. The movie has no head and no tail. The whole movie revolves around a beggar running in circles and completely based on unrealistic terms. No one except Dhanush had a role in this movie. Not one character showed any ethic. There is no story line or plot whatsoever and the movie has an incomplete and utterly stupid ending. The only plausible reason for this movie to have 7.6 rating is because of crazy fanatics. As someone who loves watching Dhanush and Nagarjuna on screen, this movie was an UTTER FAILURE. My honest opinion save your money and time. The script writer is definitely straight out of school.

Kubera is more than just a film-it's an emotional, cinematic storm that leaves a lasting impact. With powerful storytelling, unforgettable visuals, and phenomenal performances, it's easily one of the most gripping experiences in recent times.

Nagarjuna sir is back, radiating unmatched style and grace. His screen presence is magnetic, and every scene he's in feels iconic. It's a comeback that reminds us of his timeless charm and power.

Dhanush is on another level altogether. He doesn't just act-he vanishes into the role. Watching him as a helpless, broken man-a beggar-is nothing short of transformative. His pain feels real, raw, and deeply human. It's one of those rare performances that makes you forget the actor and only see the character. I actually clapped in the theater for the first time.

Rashmika Mandanna delivers a top-notch performance, full of fire, emotion, and subtle strength. She nails every scene she's in, proving again why she's one of the most versatile and magnetic actresses of this generation.

Add to that stunning choreography, a powerful soundtrack by Devisree, and impactful visuals-Kubera is a complete cinematic package.

Don't miss it. Feel it. Experience it.

Kubera is a very good attempt but misses the point due to dragged screenplay. Dhanush is a show stealer with his stellar acting. Nagarjuna's grey character is well written and a satisfying ending is given to his role. Rashmika Mandanna has done a good job too. Jim Sarbh also has done very well what he had to. So acting wise all 4 actors, have given their best. Dialogs are also well written although some lines by Dhanush and Rashmika repeat many times in the film.

The story is also promising and the first half is gripping. The second half however gets lost in dialogues, and the cat-and-mouse chase between the two lead characters is tiresome. (I thought it was a movie about scam as shown in the trailer, but it's only used as a backstory for all those chase scenes) DSP's bgm is good but in some places repetitive. Visuals are also good especially in the laser format.

Overall, it mostly delivers on its promise of an engaging story, but the dragged screenplay and rushed ending brings it down.

For a film named Kuberaa, it felt poorer than an artist during the COVID lockdown. Nothing 'Kuberaa-ish' about it. Thematically thin, narratively bankrupt and barely more than just loose change.

Kuberaa sets the stage for a compelling social crime drama with weighty themes, but the screenplay forgets to do anything well. The ideas aren't explored with conviction, the narrative feels patchy, and scattered emotional highs are no excuse for the rushed and unsatisfying payoff the film was supposedly building toward.

In the end, Kuberaa promises wealth in meaning (and themes) but trades it all for emotional spectacle...one that builds ambitiously but cashes out on mediocrity.

This film was the first Dhanush film I saw in the theater. While there aren't many things in the film that excite us, there are some things that make us think. As for the verses of the fruit, it didn't hold my attention to a great extent. Similarly, the film's story didn't stick in my mind that much. The other person's screenplay naturally gave it to me. You know, while watching this movie, there were some good comedy scenes. Overall, even though we couldn't take in too many things when we saw the film in the theater, we did take in a few things to a lesser extent. By choosing such stories, there is a chance that Dhanush will get some good things on one side and some bad things on the other.

Exaggerated the movie , made some scenes too long and storyline wasn't even attention gripping. Start was good but they could have done so much more than what they have done. The acting although was very good by every cast. The plot armour for Dhanush(the begger) was way too loud and noticable. Overall an average movie and not even worth the hype(atleast on prime)

RATED 7/10 Language: Tamil Source: Nil Media Partner: Amazon Prime

The story is powerful, and its development is handled very effectively. It's truly impressive to see both heroes so deeply immersed in their roles.

The first half subtly unveils the political undercurrents, with restrained yet impactful performances from both Nagarjuna and the antagonist. While the pacing feels a bit stretched at times, the narrative manages to keep the audience engaged.

However, all of this is undermined by how Nagarjuna's character is wrapped up and the way Dhanush takes over in the final 20 minutes. The villain's character loses depth and turns into a joker, making the ending feel disappointing and significantly weakening the overall impact of the film.

Dhanush's casting in this movie is just a stereotypical formula that he has cashed in many such movies. He loves to create sympathy for him. In the movie, there are typical scenes with pregnant women giving birth, and then dying - which are the same old formula which has been used for the last 50 years in movies. Nothin new. Not worth watching and if you end up watching, it will reduce your analytical skills by a notch.

Excellent film by shekar kammula! Dhanush's acting is magnificent!!!! Great story, no lag, attention grasping story. No boring scenes.... Reality of India! Those who lost hope in ur life, watch this movie. An excellent acting of all the actors. I bet no big actor in tollywood can do dhanush's character in this movie. His passion towards acting is just amazing! Dhanush's acting vere level. No commercial overactions. Shekar kammila is known for good classic movies but this time after this action teaser we doubted shekar's new style of story and direction but he didn't fail to make us love him as always. Great movie!

6.2 this is the reading I have to give this movie the story was really choppy and i couldn't sit through the entire movie and the characters were ghastly and for dhanush his character didn't do any justice to him . The story had potential but the second half just massacred it . The movie lacked serious depth and it's really showing.

"Kubera" Sekhar Kammula's latest offering, attempts to tackle weighty themes of wealth disparity and corruption, boasting a talented cast led by Dhanush and Nagarjuna. While it occasionally shines with moments of brilliance and powerful performances, the film ultimately buckles under its own ambition, delivering a frustratingly uneven and overly drawn-out cinematic experience.

The initial setup is intriguing, with a slow burn approach to introducing characters and a mystery that promises to unravel into a gripping thriller. Dhanush, as expected, delivers a masterful performance, embodying his character with raw authenticity and emotional depth. He's undeniably the film's anchor, carrying the weight of its noble intentions on his shoulders. Nagarjuna, too, has his moments, particularly in the first half, portraying a character caught in a moral labyrinth.

However, the film's biggest flaw lies in its relentless pacing. What begins as patient world-building quickly devolves into a sluggish narrative that tests the audience's patience. The first half, in particular, feels unnecessarily protracted, with scenes that could have been trimmed for greater impact. The screenplay, despite its sharp initial peeling back of layers, often becomes repetitive, rehashing plot points that are already clear.

The most glaring misstep is the rushed and often unconvincing pre-climax and climax. After nearly two hours of deliberate setup, the story seems to lose its grip entirely, sacrificing emotional payoffs for a hurried resolution. Character decisions in the final act feel schematic, and the grand ideas about class and systems that were hinted at earlier are crammed into the last 30 minutes, feeling more like an afterthought than a natural culmination.

Kubera is a film with a strong heart and an even stronger lead performance from Dhanush. But its bloated runtime, uneven pacing, and a final act that fails to live up to the promise of its setup prevent it from truly soaring. It's a watchable film for its standout performances and a few impactful scenes, but one can't help but feel that a tighter edit and a more cohesive narrative could have elevated it from merely good to truly great.

Kuberaa is a powerful socio-political thriller that combines gripping action with a meaningful message. Dhanush shines in a dynamic role, while Nagarjuna and Rashmika offer strong support. Director Sekhar Kammula impresses with grounded storytelling and impactful visuals. The film smartly addresses themes like corruption and wealth disparity. Despite minor pacing issues, Kuberaa stands out as a compelling and thought-provoking entertainer.h.

The film tackles themes like corruption and wealth inequality with intelligence.

Despite a slightly slow mid-section, Kuberaa is a must-watch for meaningful entertainment.

"Kubera" is a thoughtful attempt by Sekhar Kammula to blend social commentary with mainstream storytelling. With Dhanush and Nagarjuna in key roles, the film has a solid backbone of acting talent and it shows-both deliver powerful performances, with Dhanush in particular standing out in emotional scenes.

The storyline explores themes of power, money, and morality, staying true to Kammula's signature style of grounded, character-driven narratives. The first half is engaging, with good build-up and character development. However, the pacing dips in the second half, and certain subplots feel slightly undercooked.

Rashmika Mandanna adds charm and emotion to the story, but her character could have been explored more deeply. The cinematography and background score elevate key moments, though the music overall feels a bit forgettable for a Kammula film.

It's not a mass entertainer, but if you enjoy films with depth and realism, this one is worth watching.

Absolute not cinema. Waste of time. Despite the hype, this film fails on almost every level. The plot is painfully predictable, filled with clichés and lacking any real tension or originality. The characters are shallow, with wooden performances that make it hard to care about their journey. Even the visuals, which had potential, feel overdone and artificial. The pacing drags, and by the final act, you're more bored than invested. Overall, it's a disappointing experience that wastes both time and talent. A forgettable mess that tries to be deep but ends up being dull. Do not waste your time watching.

The film starts strong with a solid premise and rising tension, but ultimately delivers a weak ending that leaves much to be desired. The BGM is excellent, and the acting is decent. The plot revolves around a corrupt system where a greedy businessman, looking to exploit a newly discovered mineral reserve, hires a former good cop to funnel massive bribes. They come up with a plan to set up fake companies using four unsuspecting beggars as scapegoats. The film also explores the daily life & struggles of beggars. The setup is intriguing, but the execution falters by the end. More could have been achieved.