The buzz around Sekhar Kammula’s Kubera hit a new high at a star-studded Mumbai promotional event on June 10, 2025, where Dhanush, Nagarjuna Akkineni, and Rashmika Mandanna spilled behind-the-scenes stories that have fans even more excited for the film’s June 20 release. The trio, joined by director Kammula, launched the single Pippi Pippi Dum Dum Dum, but it was Dhanush’s tale of shooting in a dumpyard for six to seven hours alongside Rashmika that stole the show, blending humor with heartfelt reflection.
Dhanush, known for diving deep into his roles, shared a lighthearted moment from the set: “Rashmika and I shot in a dumpyard for six-seven hours,” he said, chuckling. “Rashmika was totally fine—she was like, ‘I can’t smell anything!’ I still don’t know how she did it!” Rashmika echoed the sentiment, calling the dumpyard shoot a “high point” of her experience, showcasing her commitment to the gritty role. But Dhanush turned serious, dismissing rumors that the cast struggled with the conditions. “I read stuff about us shooting with masks—it wasn’t that big a deal. It was fine,” he said. “But being in that environment, seeing a side of the world you’re not used to, was enlightening. I come from humble beginnings, and this took me back to my childhood. I’m grateful to Kuberaa for that nostalgia.”
The film, a departure from Kammula’s usual heartfelt love stories, dives into a darker, more intense world where money blurs the lines between right and wrong. Dhanush plays a beggar—a role he says is unlike anything he’s done before—guided by Kammula’s “pure, honest” direction. Nagarjuna, who waited 15 years to work with Kammula, praised the director’s sincerity and the cast’s dynamic energy, singling out Rashmika’s “spontaneous, hilarious” performance and Dhanush’s ability to “disappear into his character.” The trailer and glimpses, like the dialogue-free Trance of Kubera, have teased a gripping story with stellar performances from the leads, plus Jim Sarbh delivering Telugu lines with surprising finesse.
Rashmika, riding high after Animal and gearing up for a packed year with films like Pushpa 2 and Sikander, called working with Dhanush, Nagarjuna, and Kammula a rare opportunity. The dumpyard shoot, despite its challenges, became a bonding moment for her and Dhanush, reflecting the film’s raw, grounded vibe. Devi Sri Prasad’s pulsating soundtrack, including the new single and Naadi Naadi, complements the adrenaline-fueled drama, with fans already raving about the music’s intensity.
Kuberaa’s unique blend of Kammula’s emotional storytelling and a bold, dark narrative has set expectations sky-high. Dhanush credited Kammula for breaking him out of typecasting, saying, “I’m like a processor—my directors feed me the data, and I process it. Sekhar showed me how to live this part.” With its release just days away, the film’s pan-India promotions and the cast’s candid stories—like surviving hours in a dumpyard—are fueling anticipation. Kuberaa promises to be a powerful, nostalgic ride that could redefine Tollywood’s big-screen offerings this summer.