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Expectations skyrocketed the moment it was announced that acclaimed director Sekhar Kammula would be teaming up with versatile actor Dhanush for a social drama. The buzz only intensified when Akkineni Nagarjuna joined the cast in a crucial role, alongside Rashmika Mandanna as the female lead. Adding to the excitement was the surprising collaboration between Sekhar Kammula and celebrated music director Devi Sri Prasad (DSP) for the first time. After Sir, does Dhanush score another hit with his second straight Telugu film? Does Sekhar Kammula deliver yet another emotionally gripping drama? Let’s find out.

Plot Overview
Neeraj (Jim Sarbh), a highly influential businessman, seeks to gain control over newly discovered oil reserves in the Bay of Bengal by bribing politicians across India with an astronomical sum of one lakh crore rupees. He enlists Deepak (Nagarjuna), a former CBI officer, to discreetly distribute the bribes. The story unfolds as Deva (Dhanush), a beggar, unexpectedly crosses paths with Deepak. Who is Sameera (Rashmika Mandanna)? What motivates Deepak to collaborate with Neeraj? Will Neeraj succeed in his ambition? These questions form the crux of Kuberaa.

Performances
Dhanush, known for his intense performances, delivers arguably his career-best portrayal as Deva. His body language, expressions, dialogue delivery, and overall transformation into a beggar feel remarkably authentic, ensuring the audience connects with his character instantly. Awards and critical acclaim seem inevitable for this standout performance.

Nagarjuna delivers a restrained yet powerful performance as Deepak, portraying a man torn between his moral compass and familial responsibilities. It’s refreshing to see him take on such a layered, author-backed role.

Rashmika Mandanna shines in a strong and emotionally grounded role, a trademark feature in Sekhar Kammula’s films. Her scenes with Dhanush, especially in the dumpyard sequences, are heartfelt and impactful.

Jim Sarbh impresses as the cold and calculating antagonist, while Dilip Tahil and Sayaji Shinde leave a mark in supporting roles. The actors playing the trio of beggars alongside Dhanush also deliver convincing performances. Sunaina, in a brief appearance, is effective.

Technical Aspects
Devi Sri Prasad’s music is one of Kuberaa’s biggest assets. His background score elevates several key sequences, while the songs blend seamlessly into the narrative without disrupting the film’s rhythm. Cinematographer Niketh Bommireddy captures the contrasting worlds of opulence and poverty with great finesse, particularly highlighting the vibrant yet harsh landscapes of Bombay.

However, the editing by Karthika Srinivas leaves room for improvement. Tighter editing, particularly trimming 15–20 minutes from the film, could have significantly enhanced the film’s impact. The production values by ‘Sree Venkateswara Cinemas LLP’ are lavish, and the scale of the production is clearly visible on screen.

Strengths
Dhanush’s phenomenal performance
Emotionally charged narrative, especially in the second half
Strong performances by Nagarjuna and Rashmika
Devi Sri Prasad’s powerful background score
Hard-hitting and thoughtful dialogues
Sekhar Kammula’s sensitive storytelling and direction

Weaknesses
Slow pace during the first 20 minutes
Editing issues, with a few prolonged sequences
Slightly abrupt climax

Overall Analysis
Kuberaa is rich in emotional depth, with Sekhar Kammula’s signature writing shining through in several thought-provoking dialogues. One such moment is Sameera’s (Rashmika) dialogue reflecting how everyone, in some way, begs for acceptance, love, and survival — adding nuance to the film’s core theme.

While the film starts on a slow note, Dhanush’s striking entry captivates the audience, setting the stage for an engaging narrative. The way Sekhar Kammula presents the backstories of the beggars through wordless montages reflects his maturity as a storyteller. Several emotionally charged sequences in the second half — particularly Deva carrying Kushboo with the powerful backdrop of ‘Shiva Stotram’ — stand out as cinematic highlights.

Despite minor flaws in pacing and editing, Kuberaa succeeds on the strength of its performances, writing, and music. Sekhar Kammula crafts an emotionally resonant drama that leaves a lasting impression. At the box office, the film has every chance of resonating with audiences and performing well commercially.

Bottom Line:
Kuberaa – Emotionally powerful, technically sound, and driven by career-best performances. A definite winner.