Rating: ★★★½ (3.5/5)
Director: Sekhar Kammula
Cast: Dhanush, Rashmika Mandanna, Akkineni Nagarjuna (special appearance), Jim Sarbh
Language: Telugu, Tamil
Genre: Political Drama / Corporate Thriller
From the outset, Kuberaa promised to be Sekhar Kammula’s boldest detour yet — a step into the sleek, power-soaked world of corporate greed, far removed from his usual canvas of soft-spoken middle-class tales. But here’s the surprise: even in this high-stakes, high-budget terrain, Kammula’s sensibilities remain intact — gentle, humane, and intelligent.
At the heart of Kuberaa lies Deva (Dhanush), a homeless man who stumbles into a power corridor reserved for the elite. What unfolds is a David-meets-Goliath narrative with a twist — the David here never becomes a chest-thumping action hero. Dhanush plays Deva with restraint and grace, allowing Kammula to ground his underdog tale in emotional realism rather than melodrama.
The first half of the film is captivating. The writing is layered, the pacing sharp, and the transformation of Deva — from an ignored nobody to an unexpected disruptor in the capitalist arena — is both believable and compelling. Kammula’s strength lies in the way he respects both his character and his audience, never spoon-feeding motives or manufacturing sympathy.
However, the second half falters under the weight of its own ambition. The screenplay starts to repeat itself. A few emotionally-charged sequences, though earnest, feel overly stretched. The film’s rhythm slackens, and while its heart remains in the right place, the storytelling feels less assured as it nears the finish line.
Still, Kuberaa deserves praise for daring to blend mass appeal with moral inquiry. The film explores class divide, systemic exploitation, and the optics of philanthropy with an unusual tenderness. Even when critiquing ruthless business empires, Kammula does it without turning cynical or preachy.
Highlights:
- Dhanush delivers a poignant, rooted performance. His Deva is vulnerable yet quietly resilient.
- Rashmika Mandanna is effective in a restrained role.
- Jim Sarbh plays the suave face of corporate villainy with charm and menace.
- Music and cinematography offer an elegant backdrop to the heavy themes.
Verdict:
Kuberaa is not a perfect film — its second half loses steam, and it could’ve used sharper editing. But it stands tall as a rare political-corporate drama that is both soulful and stirring. Sekhar Kammula doesn’t yell. He whispers. And in Kuberaa, that whisper hits home.
Worth a Watch — especially for those craving socially conscious cinema with star power.
