Kuberaa Review: Dhanush Leads A Solid Drama Undone By Draggy First Hour

Dhanush returns to the big screen with Kuberaa, a gritty drama directed by Sekhar Kammula. It also stars Nagarjuna, Rashmika Mandanna, and Jim Sarbh. What begins as a quiet tale of a poor man’s life slowly unfolds into a tense game of greed, survival, and betrayal. There’s power, politics, and a hidden oil reserve at the centre of it all.

The plot takes time to pick up, but once it does, it turns into a gripping emotional ride. The final act carries weight, raising tough questions about morality, trust, and human cost. It’s not flawless, but it tries something different, and that’s worth a closer look.

Director: Sekhar Kammula

Cast: Dhanush, Nagarjuna, Rashmika Mandanna, Jim Sarbh, Dalip Tahil, Sayaji Shinde

Where to Watch: In theatres
Runtime: Approximately 2 hours 35 minutes

Rating: 3/5 stars

The story follows Deva (Dhanush), a kind-hearted beggar who unknowingly gets pulled into a shady mission involving a secret oil reserve. A powerful businessman, Neeraj (Jim Sarbh), wants to use this oil for power and hires Deepak (Nagarjuna), a disgraced ex-CBI officer, to carry out the plan. Deepak recruits beggars to do the job without raising suspicion. 

But when Deva realises he’s being used and is at risk, he escapes. This kicks off a tense chase, with both Deepak and Neeraj trying to stop him before the truth comes out.

The idea feels fresh, and the film has layers of emotion, politics, and social commentary. The second half is much stronger than the first, which moves too slowly and loses grip with some repeated scenes. The climax, however, lands well with solid dialogues and emotional payoff. It’s a bold script that stumbles but doesn’t collapse.

Dhanush is the heart of the film. His performance as Deva feels real and deeply moving. He plays the innocent man with honesty and strength. Nagarjuna is impressive too, playing a man torn between survival and his past values. Jim Sarbh, though limited in screen time, makes a strong impact as the cold and calculated Neeraj. Rashmika adds warmth, but her role feels underwritten. The chemistry between Dhanush and Nagarjuna holds emotional depth.

What Works:

• Dhanush’s moving performance
• A powerful final stretch
• Interesting moral shades in characters
• Strong visuals and music

What Doesn’t Work:

• First half is too slow
• Some scenes drag unnecessarily
• Rashmika’s character lacks depth
  
  

The visuals by Niketh Bommireddy give the film a raw and grounded feel. Devi Sri Prasad’s music supports the emotions without being too loud. Editing by Karthika Srinivas works in key moments, but the pacing in the first half could’ve been tighter. Production design and makeup add to the realistic tone of the film.

Kuberaa is a slow burn. It takes time to settle, but the emotional payoff in the end is satisfying. It’s not a mass entertainer, but if you’re into character-driven dramas that raise social questions, this might be your thing. It’s a flawed film with strong moments, and Dhanush carries much of it on his shoulders.

One-Liner Verdict:
“This isn’t your typical oil heist—this one’s got a heart and a slow start.”

Yes, if you like socially rooted dramas with emotional stories. Dhanush fans will especially appreciate his performance. But if you’re looking for fast-paced thrills, this may test your patience.

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