Kuberaa: Power, Performance & Pacing

1. A High-Stakes Premise

Kuberaa is a bilingual crime drama directed by Sekhar Kammula, exploring the ruthless intersection of money and power. The narrative follows Neeraj (Jim Sarbh), a business mogul orchestrating a ₹1 lakh crore oil scam via bribery. Enter Deepak (Nagarjuna), a former CBI officer who recruits Deva (Dhanush) — a beggar with a tragic past — turning him into a pawn against the corrupt elite.

2. Dhanush: Living the Role

Multiple critics agree: Dhanush delivers one of his career-best performances. He fully immerses himself as Deva — complete with raw physicality, silent pain, and subtle mannerisms. One review poetically notes:

“This role… raw. It’s filthy. It smells of desperation and decay” (link)

He doesn’t just play Deva — he becomes him.

3. Nagarjuna & Rashmika: Alongside the Powerhouse

Senior actor Nagarjuna complements Dhanush with a grounded performance as Deepak — understated yet commanding.Rashmika Mandanna also turns heads with an emotionally textured role, portraying an independent woman with layers of grit and empathy

4. Direction, Music & Production Values

Sekhar Kammula steps away from his ‘feel-good’ comfort zone. He crafts a dark, morally complex crime drama that balances character and plot. Critics applaud the tense, atmospheric storytelling — though some note the film resonates strongest when it leans into its emotional core.

Devi Sri Prasad’s background score is a standout, heightening tension and underscoring key emotional beats. High production values and Niketh Bommireddy’s cinematography further amplify the impactful visuals

5. The Major Caveat: Runtime & Pacing

At roughly 3 hours and 5–15 minutes, pacing proves a hurdle. One India’s review flags the uneven pace and flat editing, especially in the first half and rushed pre-climax. Other critics mention it “feels lengthy” or “slow to get going”. Still, they agree certain scenes — especially in the second half — hit with emotional force.

6. What Audiences Are Saying

Netizens and critics on X (formerly Twitter) are already calling Kuberaa Dhanush’s best and labeling it a blockbuster in the making. Reviews from Moneycontrol and Times of India highlight its philosophical depth and engrossing crime drama elements

Final Verdict

Must-watch for performances: Dhanush and Nagarjuna deliver nuanced, layered acting that anchors the film.
Immersive yet intense: The crime-thriller theme, highlighted by DSP’s score, keeps you engaged — just be ready for its emotional heft.
Pacing pains: A tighter edit could’ve made it sharper, but the payoff in the second half will resonate long after the credits roll.

Should You Dive In?

If you're drawn to gritty crime dramas with moral conflict, stellar lead performances, and a philosophical undercurrent, Kuberaa is an immersive cinematic experience — flaws included. For mainstream moviegoers, its length may feel daunting, but those seeking substance will find plenty to discuss.

📽️ My take? It’s a bold, ambitious leap for Kammula, a career-defining role for Dhanush — and, despite the runtime, absolutely worth a watch.

Kuberaa: Power, Performance & Pacing