‘Kuberaa’ receives mixed reviews: Dhanush shines but weak climax Vaitla K, June 20, 2025June 20, 2025 The much-anticipated socio-political crime drama Kuberaa, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sekhar Kammula, hit theaters worldwide today, garnering a spectrum of reactions from audiences and critics alike. Starring Dhanush, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Rashmika Mandanna, and Jim Sarbh, the film has been lauded for its ambitious narrative, powerful performances, and fresh premise but has faced criticism for its uneven pacing, extended runtime, and a rushed climax. Released in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam, Kuberaa has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with fans and reviewers divided over its execution. A bold departure for Sekhar Kammula Kuberaa marks Sekhar Kammula’s first foray into a pan-Indian socio-political thriller, a significant shift from his signature feel-good romances and slice-of-life dramas like Anand, Godavari, and Fidaa. The film explores themes of greed, ambition, power, and moral dilemmas, weaving a narrative around a beggar’s dramatic transformation amidst a high-stakes financial scam. The Story The story follows Neeraj Mitra (Jim Sarbh), a ruthless businessman who discovers a massive oil reserve in the Bay of Bengal and orchestrates a secret mission involving Deepak (Nagarjuna), a disgraced CBI officer, and Deva (Dhanush), an innocent beggar unwittingly drawn into the scheme. Rashmika Mandanna plays Sameera, a pivotal character who serves as an emotional anchor for Deva. The film’s unique premise of using beggars as benamis in a money-laundering scheme has been widely praised for its novelty. The film’s gritty portrayal of systemic corruption and the corporate-political nexus has resonated with audiences seeking meaningful storytelling, but its execution has left some wanting more. 📖 Must Read: Kuberaa locks release date Dhanush’s career-best performance The unanimous highlight of Kuberaa is Dhanush’s portrayal of Deva, a humble beggar who undergoes a profound transformation. Critics and fans have hailed his performance as a masterclass, with many calling it his career-best. Dhanush’s dedication to the role, including shooting scenes as a beggar on the streets of Tirupati, has added authenticity to his performance. His emotional depth, particularly in scenes like the one carrying a pregnant beggar girl with the ‘Shiva Stotram’ backdrop, has been singled out as a standout moment. Nagarjuna Akkineni, playing the morally complex Deepak, has also received praise for his restrained and impactful performance. Jim Sarbh’s portrayal of the antagonist Neeraj Mitra has been lauded for its intensity, with critics noting his seamless fit into the role of a greedy businessman. Rashmika Mandanna’s role as Sameera has elicited mixed reactions. 📖 Must Read: Poyiraa Mama: Dhanush in a new look The film’s technical aspects have received considerable acclaim. Devi Sri Prasad’s background score has been described as a “riveting” asset, elevating key emotional and dramatic scenes. Niketh Bommireddy’s cinematography, shot across real locations in Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Tamil Nadu, has been praised for its immersive and gritty tone. However, the film’s songs have been criticized as unnecessary, with some reviewers noting they disrupt the narrative flow. Editing, handled by Karthika Srinivas, has been a point of contention. With a runtime of 3 hours and 1 minute (trimmed from an original 3 hours and 15 minutes), many felt the film could have been tighter. Strengths and weaknesses The first half of Kuberaa has been widely appreciated for its engaging setup and emotional core, rooted in the beggar world. The interval sequence, featuring a well-executed dogfight, has been highlighted as a gripping moment. However, the second half has drawn criticism for its uneven pacing and repetitive sequences. The climax, in particular, has been a divisive element. While some praised Kammula’s ability to tie the narrative together with a powerful justification for the title Kuberaa, others found the pre-climax and climax rushed and lacking emotional resonance. 📖 Must Read: All set of Akhil’s wedding: Nagarjuna invites top celebs Box Office prospects With a budget exceeding Rs 120 crore, Kuberaa is one of the costliest films in Dhanush’s career. The film’s box office prediction estimates a Rs 6 crore opening, relying heavily on word-of-mouth for sustained success. The positive buzz around Dhanush’s performance and Kammula’s reputation could drive theater footfall, but the mixed reviews may impact its long-term performance.