Review:
Sekhar Kammula’s latest film Kubera, starring Dhanush and Nagarjuna, finally hit theatres today amid high expectations. With a storyline that blends social commentary, emotional depth, and an intriguing power play, the film attempts to deliver a fresh take on a well-worn concept — the divide between the rich and the poor. So, does Kubera live up to the hype? Let’s find out.
Plot Summary:
Deepak (Nagarjuna), an upright CBI officer, finds himself falsely imprisoned for standing up to corruption. Despite his unwavering honesty, justice continues to elude him. Meanwhile, billionaire industrialist Neeraj Mitra (Jim Sarbh) stumbles upon a massive oil reserve with the potential to power the nation for 15 years. With political backing and personal greed in play, he hatches a secretive, large-scale financial operation.
To pull it off, he needs Deepak — the only man he believes can execute the plan discreetly. What follows is a high-stakes scheme involving the transfer of ₹1 lakh crore through four benami accounts — one of which is held by Deva (Dhanush), a seemingly insignificant beggar. How do Deva and Deepak connect? What secrets lie in their past? And can this plan really succeed? These questions form the crux of the story.
Highlights:
- Fresh Narrative Treatment: While stories about power, poverty, and corruption are not new, Kubera offers a refreshing take through well-defined characters and emotionally rich storytelling. Sekhar Kammula’s screenplay stands out in its sincerity and structure.
- Stellar Performances:
- Dhanush delivers one of his most nuanced performances as Deva. His portrayal of a man who appears broken on the outside but holds untapped potential is both powerful and moving.
- Nagarjuna is equally compelling as Deepak, a man torn between duty and disillusionment. His restrained performance adds gravitas to the narrative.
- Rashmika Mandanna brings warmth and grace to her role, leaving a strong impression despite limited screen time.
- Jim Sarbh excels as the suave yet menacing villain, perfectly complementing the lead duo.
- Technical Brilliance:
- Cinematographer Niketh Bommireddy captures the emotional weight of the story through stunning visuals.
- Devi Sri Prasad’s music adds soul to the story, with memorable songs and impactful background score.
- Editing by Karthika Srinivas is crisp in most parts, though a few transitions feel slightly drawn out.
Areas That Could Have Been Better:
- The pacing dips in parts, especially in scenes involving Deepak’s confrontation with the antagonists.
- A few sequences feel routine, lacking the dramatic punch expected from a film of this scale.
- The emotional intensity could have been more consistent throughout, especially in the second half.
Verdict:
Kubera stands tall as a well-acted, emotionally resonant, and socially relevant film. With standout performances from Dhanush and Nagarjuna, coupled with Sekhar Kammula’s thoughtful direction, it succeeds in delivering a meaningful cinematic experience. While the narrative could have been tighter in a few areas, the film’s strengths far outweigh its shortcomings.
Rating: 3.75/5
Ideal for audiences who enjoy socially conscious dramas with a blend of emotion, tension, and character-driven storytelling.
