Kuberaa tells a thought-provoking story that dives into the gap between the super-rich and the homeless. At the heart of the story is Deepak, a CBI officer who secretly leads a massive financial scam. His unique twist? He recruits beggars as Benamis — fake identities — for money laundering.
Among these beggars is Deva, who becomes the unexpected hero. As the scam unfolds, Deva realizes the true scale of the crime and rises against the powerful, turning the game around.
Dhanush and Nagarjuna — A Masterclass in Acting
The film rides strongly on the performances of Dhanush and Nagarjuna. Nagarjuna delivers a restrained and mature performance. His calm demeanor, subtle expressions, and sharp presence make his character believable and grounded — a refreshing change from his recent films.
Dhanush, on the other hand, steals the show. He plays a physically disabled beggar with unmatched authenticity. His body language, expressions, and emotional depth prove once again why he’s one of the finest actors in Indian cinema today. Small touches, like his hand movements, show his complete commitment to the role.
Rashmika’s Role Feels Underwhelming
Rashmika Mandanna enters the film in the second half. While her performance is fine, it lacks the uniqueness we usually expect from director Sekhar Kammula’s female characters. She mostly plays it safe and familiar — and doesn’t stand out as much alongside the powerful lead performances.
Sekhar Kammula’s Bold New Direction
Known for his soft, feel-good dramas, director Sekhar Kammula surprises everyone with this gritty and emotional thriller. From the start, the plot is filled with curiosity — a ₹1 lakh crore scam, a secret plan, and the idea of using the ignored section of society as tools in a corporate fraud.
Though some early scenes lack strong detailing, the film gains emotional strength as Deva’s world is explored. The song Naa Koduka adds depth to his background, making the audience emotionally connect with his journey.
Even though the transformation of the beggars feels lightly handled, the emotional thread remains strong and engaging. The scam details are not deeply technical, but they’re enough to keep viewers hooked.
A Gripping Second Half
The second half focuses more on Deva’s journey — his danger, his discovery of hidden wealth, and how a beggar comes to grips with massive fortune. While the pacing dips at times, strong emotional scenes bring it back to life. One particularly moving subplot involves a pregnant beggar girl, adding emotional weight.
The interval block stands out with a raw and intense dog fight sequence, making a strong emotional impact. And a later scene where the tables turn and a beggar drags a billionaire to the streets hits hard — even if it feels a bit cinematic.
The climax wraps everything with meaning, offering a powerful explanation for the film’s title Kuberaa. Sekhar Kammula nails the ending, giving it an emotional and memorable finish.
Supporting Cast and Technical Brilliance
Jim Sarbh plays a perfect greedy businessman. He fits smoothly into the world of billionaires, making his presence felt. Other roles by Sayaji Shinde, Dalip Tahil, and Sunaina are short but effective. The film stays focused on the main story without too many side tracks.
Devi Sri Prasad’s music works better in the film than outside it. The background score is excellent, lifting every scene with the right emotion. Songs like Poyiraa Mama especially stand out thanks to Dhanush’s powerful performance.
Cinematographer Niketh Bommi deserves praise for the authentic visuals. Whether it’s the corporate offices or the harsh street life, every scene looks real. Editing feels a bit stretched, and a tighter version could’ve improved the pace.
Worth a Watch?
Kuberaa is a fresh, emotional, and socially relevant film. While it may not offer complex financial storytelling, it connects deeply through its characters and message. Dhanush and Nagarjuna deliver top-tier performances, and Sekhar Kammula proves he can step out of his comfort zone and still succeed.
