Kuberaa (2025) Review: Power, Emotion & Chaos Unleashed

CineMarvelIndia
Jun 20
3 min read

Kuberaa (2025) ★★★★☆

Directed by Sekhar Kammula • Runtime: 195 min • Languages: Telugu, Tamil, Hindi Introduction

Sekhar Kammula, best known for emotional dramas, takes a bold leap into dark, gritty storytelling with Kuberaa—a high-stakes crime saga centered on ambition, greed, and redemption. With powerhouse names like Dhanush, Nagarjuna, and Rashmika Mandanna, Kuberaa promises not just scale, but soul. And for the most part, it delivers both.

Introduction

Plot Overview (Spoiler-Free)

Set in the slums and power corridors of Mumbai, Kuberaa follows the journey of Deva (Dhanush)—a destitute beggar whose hunger for survival transforms into a hunger for power. His ascent brings him face to face with Deepak (Nagarjuna), a highly placed bureaucrat whose silent manipulation runs the system, and Sameera (Rashmika Mandanna), a grounded woman who becomes Deva’s emotional tether.

As Deva rises in the underworld, the story weaves in themes of moral corruption, class conflict, and the ever-blurring line between survival and ambition. Performances

Dhanush as Deva

Dhanush is the undisputed heart and soul of Kuberaa. From the vulnerability of a hungry nobody to the simmering rage of a rising gangster, he delivers a performance that is intense, authentic, and deeply layered. His silent stares say more than words ever could—this is a masterclass in screen presence. Dhanush proves once again why he’s one of the finest actors in Indian cinema.

Nagarjuna as Deepak

Understated but powerful. Nagarjuna’s Deepak is a man of few words but heavy impact. His calm exterior hides layers of political intrigue and silent danger, adding weight to every scene he’s in.

Rashmika Mandanna as Sameera

Rashmika brings warmth and balance to the otherwise dark narrative. She’s not just a love interest—she adds emotional gravity, especially in the second half when Deva begins to lose himself.

Supporting Cast

Jim Sarbh delivers a brief but impactful role, while veterans like Sayaji Shinde and Dalip Tahil provide solid support. Everyone fits well into the gritty world Kammula builds.

Direction & Screenplay

Sekhar Kammula deserves credit for stepping out of his comfort zone. His shift from emotional family dramas to a violent, layered crime thriller is ambitious—and mostly successf

ul. The screenplay is tight in the first half, gradually building tension and establishing characters.

However, the second half feels stretched, and the film would’ve benefited from a 20-minute trim. Some subplots linger longer than needed, slightly affecting the pace before the climax delivers a satisfying payoff.

Music: Devi Sri Prasad’s score enhances tension and emotional beats. While the songs are forgettable, the background score is powerful throughout.
Editing: A tighter edit could have elevated the film to another level. At nearly 3 hours and 15 minutes, it overstays its welcome just a bit. Verdict
Kuberaa is a powerful, performance-driven crime epic that grips you with its characters, storytelling, and visual style. Dhanush steals the show with a magnetic, unforgettable performance, while Kammula’s world-building keeps the tension simmering. It may be a bit too long, but the emotional payoffs and action highs are worth the time.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Intense, emotional, and carried by Dhanush’s brilliance—Kuberaa is a must-watch crime saga that only needed a tighter runtime to be a classic. Stay Connected For more reviews, box office updates, and film insights: