Kuberaa movie review: A Brooding Dive into the Dark Side of Wealth

Kuberaa storyline: The film  follows Deva (Dhanush), a man whose life shifts dramatically after meeting Deepak (Nagarjuna), a former CBI officer now aligned with a secretive financial syndicate led by Dheeraj Mitra (Jim Sarbh). Tempted by the allure of power and prosperity, Deva is pulled into the dangerous world of black money and underground finance.

Review: Kuberaa traces the dramatic transformation of Deva (played by Dhanush), whose life changes after he crosses paths with Deepak (Nagarjuna), a former CBI officer now entangled in a covert financial syndicate led by the enigmatic Dheeraj Mitra (Jim Sarbh). Drawn by the lure of wealth and security, Deva finds himself pulled into the morally ambiguous world of black money and underground finance.

Director Sekhar Kammula, known for his emotionally tender storytelling, ventures into darker, more cynical territory with this film. Kuberaa sheds light on the murky layers of society where survival demands compromise and identity is often a transaction. Kammula trades hope for harsh truths, weaving a story that feels introspective, tense, and socially relevant.

Dhanush shines in a restrained yet powerful performance, embodying a man who evolves from a soft-hearted beggar to a ghost within the financial underworld. His portrayal resonates deeply, balancing empathy with inner turmoil. Nagarjuna brings gravitas in a controlled, contemplative role, while Rashmika Mandanna adds lightness with her natural charm. Jim Sarbh is effectively menacing, anchoring the film’s tension with his quiet authority. While the supporting cast brings texture to the world, a few characters might have benefited from deeper arcs.

Technically, Kuberaa is lush and moody. Cinematographer Niketh Bommireddy uses shadow and light to underline the film’s thematic contrasts. Devi Sri Prasad’s background score remains minimal but impactful, never overpowering the narrative but enhancing its emotional beats.

The film’s only real stumble is its slow pacing—especially in the first half, which takes time to establish its tone and stakes. A crisper edit could have amplified the impact. Yet, even in its slower moments, Kuberaa grips with its intelligent writing and moral dilemmas.

In the end, Kuberaa is not a conventional entertainer—it is a reflective, stylized exploration of power, morality, and the unseen costs of success. Ambitious, if occasionally uneven, it’s a bold turn for Kammula and a worthy watch for those who appreciate thoughtful cinema with a conscience.