Release Date: June 20, 2025
Director: Sekhar Kammula
Cast: Dhanush, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Rashmika Mandanna, Jim Sarbh, Dalip Tahil
Runtime: 3 hours 1 minute
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Social Thriller
Languages: Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam
Rating: 3.75/5
Sekhar Kammula’s Kubera dropped in theaters today, June 20, 2025, and it’s a wild ride. This pan-Indian thriller, with a hefty ₹120 crore budget, swaps Kammula’s usual warm-and-fuzzy vibe for a gritty, in-your-face story about money, power, and redemption. Starring Dhanush, Nagarjuna Akkineni, and Rashmika Mandanna, it’s got heart, brains, and some seriously jaw-dropping moments. Produced by Sree Venkateswara Cinemas LLP and Amigos Creations, Kuberaa is already turning heads with its bold storytelling and knockout performances. Let’s break it down, with a closer look at what makes this film tick.
What’s the Story?
Kuberaa dives into the gap between the dirt-poor and the filthy rich. Dhanush plays Deva, a beggar who goes from scraping by to taking on a corrupt system. Nagarjuna is Deepak, a slick CBI officer pulling strings in a massive fuel scam worth 14 trillion cubic feet, roping in beggars for his bold plan. Rashmika Mandanna’s character is the emotional glue, holding key moments together, while Jim Sarbh’s Neeraj is a greedy tycoon you’ll love to hate. It’s a story about choices—how they mess you up or lift you up—and finding a way to make things right in a world drowning in black money.
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Analysis
Kuberaa isn’t just a thriller—it’s got something to say. It pits Deva’s struggle against Neeraj’s wealth to show how broken the system is. The nod to Kubera, the god of wealth, isn’t just fancy; it’s about what money does to people. Deva’s journey from nobody to game-changer feels like a classic underdog story, but it’s grounded in real-world grit. Deepak’s shady moves make you think about where ambition crosses into wrong. It’s a sharp take on India today—corruption, inequality, the works—without preaching.
The film touches on black money and corporate scams, echoing headlines but staying universal. Rashmika’s character hints at some feminist vibes, but it doesn’t go far enough, which is a missed chance. The ending’s philosophical punch hits hard, leaving you chewing on ideas about guilt and redemption.
The Performances
Dhanush is straight-up phenomenal as Deva. He’s not just acting; he is this guy—limping, trembling hands, raw emotion in every line. His shift from broken-down beggar to someone with fire in his eyes is so real it hurts. People are already whispering about awards, and honestly, it’s hard to argue.
Nagarjuna nails it as Deepak, cool and cunning but with a heart you glimpse in quiet moments. He’s the guy you’re not sure you should root for, and he makes you feel that tension. Rashmika Mandanna does a solid job, especially in a gut-punch scene at a dumpyard, but her role feels a bit familiar, not quite as fresh as you’d expect from Kammula’s leading ladies.
Jim Sarbh is a standout as Neeraj, dripping with arrogance and menace. The supporting players—Sayaji Shinde, Dalip Tahil, Sunaina—keep the energy high, making the corporate and crime worlds feel alive and dangerous.
Direction and Writing
Kammula’s out here flexing with Kuberaa. He’s traded his soft-focus love stories for a slow-burn thriller that’s smart and soulful. The script, co-written with Chaithanya Pingali, keeps you hooked with twists and big emotional payoffs. One scene, where Deva carries Khushboo while Shiva Stotram plays, is pure goosebumps—Kammula, Dhanush, and the music just click. That said, at 3 hours and 1 minute (cut down from 3 hours 15), it drags a bit toward the end. A tighter edit could’ve made it even sharper.
The title Kuberaa, nodding to the Hindu god of wealth, lands perfectly by the end, tying up the story’s big ideas about greed and redemption. Kammula skips the usual Tollywood traps—no forced laughs or random dance numbers—and it feels refreshing.
The Look and Sound
Niketh Bommireddy’s camera work is stunning, turning gritty spots in Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Tirupati into something almost poetic. Real locations make the poverty and power feel raw. Karthika Srinivas’s editing is mostly smooth, though a few scenes could’ve been snipped. Devi Sri Prasad’s background score is fire, especially in the big emotional beats, but the songs? They’re a bit of a letdown, feeling like they don’t quite fit the vibe.
Thota Tharani’s production design builds a world that’s both harsh and captivating, from crowded slums to sleek offices. It’s top-notch stuff that pulls you in.
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How It’s Made
Kammula’s thriller game is strong. He keeps it real, dodging the usual over-the-top action or melodrama. The pacing’s mostly solid, with the second half delivering some heart-stopping moments. That Shiva Stotram scene is pure magic—music, visuals, and emotion in perfect sync. The climax, though, splits opinions: some love its heart, others wanted more polish. It’s like Kammula had so much to say, he couldn’t quite wrap it all up.
The visuals, music, and sets make every scene pop, though those meh songs are a small hiccup for DSP.
Why It Matters
As a pan-Indian release in five languages, Kuberaa speaks to everyone. It’s part of a wave of Indian films, like Jai Bhim or Article 370, tackling big issues with guts. Its U/A rating makes it family-friendly, but the heavy themes hit harder for grown-ups. Early buzz says it’s sparking talks about wealth and fairness, which is no small feat.
What Works
Dhanush’s Magic: He’s the soul of the film, raw and real.
Deep Story: Greed, power, redemption—it’s got layers.
Big Moments: Scenes like Shiva Stotram stick with you.
Kammula’s Touch: Smart, no-nonsense storytelling.
Visuals and Score: Gorgeous shots and a killer background score.
What Doesn’t
Too Long: 3 hours 1 minute feels stretched in spots.
Rashmika’s Part: Good, but not as bold as it could be.
Climax Wobble: Feels rushed for some.
Songs: Not the bangers you’d hope for.
Final Take
Kuberaa is a thriller with heart and brains. Dhanush is unreal, Kammula’s on fire, and the story makes you think long after the credits roll. Sure, it’s a bit long, and the climax isn’t perfect, but it’s a ride worth taking. It’s one of 2025’s big wins—go see it for the feels and the ideas.