On June 20, 2025, Kuberaa, a pan-Indian crime drama in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam, was released. It was directed by Sekhar Kammula and starred Dhanush, Nagarjuna Akkineni, and Rashmika Mandanna. The film, enhanced by Devi Sri Prasad’s upbeat music, combines compelling storytelling with social commentary to analyse the extraordinary ascent of a beggar into the underworld.
Despite modest promotion, Kuberaa has triggered positive buzz—early reactions call it “strong content” and even “blockbuster-worthy.” Critics and netizens highlight standout performances from Dhanush and Nagarjuna, noting emotional depth and powerful chemistry, especially in the film’s twisting second half.
🎥 Story & Performances
Here, the storytelling style of Sekhar Kammula has developed into a raw palette—”a beggar undergoes a dramatic transformation” motivated by ambition, avarice, and moral reflection. In his portrayal of Deva, Dhanush skillfully transitions from a streetwise underdog to a power player with moral decisions. Rashmika provides warmth and sharpness as the emotional centre, while Nagarjuna supports him with a subtle performance. The film’s emotional depth and captivating storyline are being praised by critics; OkTelugu described it as “a gripping screenplay with heart-punching moments.”
💬 Direction & Technical Craft
Kammula’s move from romantic dramas to this socially charged crime thriller marks a mature shift—one that blends mass appeal with substance. Cinematographer Niketh Bommireddy captures Mumbai’s slums and courts in brutal, authentic detail, while editor Karthika Srinivas ensures the nearly 3-hour runtime remains taut and suspenseful. Adding to emotional peaks and mass moments, Devi Sri Prasad’s soundtrack, especially the centerpiece “Poyiraa Mama,” is already a chartbuster.
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📊 Opening Day Collection
India forecast: ₹6–7.5 cr overall (₹3 cr Tamil + ₹2.5 cr Telugu + ₹1 cr rest of India)
Optimistic trade estimates: ₹9–10 cr (Telugu media) to ₹15 cr nationwide (Indiatimes prediction)
Analyst caution: Some suggest a slower ₹7–9 cr start; comparisons made with Dhanush’s “Raayan,” which opened at ₹13–16.5 cr
Overseas: North American premiere shows crossed US$ $450 K (~₹3.7 cr), indicating strong international interest
📈 Reviews & Word-of-Mouth
Early social media reactions call Kuberaa “a blockbuster,” praising its enthralling pace, emotional heft, and Dhanush-Nagarjuna duo. If content resonates, domestic footfalls could climb significantly from Friday’s numbers, especially in the Telugu-Tamil belt.
🎬 How Kuberaa Compares to Other Pan-India Crime Dramas
In recent years, Indian cinema has seen a wave of gritty, pan-India crime dramas—Pushpa, KGF, and Salaar, to name a few. But what makes Kuberaa stand out isn’t just the scale—it’s the emotionally driven narrative and character-first approach by director Sekhar Kammula, who is traditionally known for his sensitive, realistic dramas like Fidaa and Leader.
Unlike other messy crime sagas that lean heavily on stylised violence and heroic posturing, Kuberaa keeps its heart grounded, focusing on the emotional cost of climbing the social ladder through crime. The film asks meaningful questions about privilege, desperation, and personal choice, giving Dhanush a rich character arc. This gives Kuberaa a unique flavour, blending mainstream entertainment with thoughtful storytelling.
While the action sequences are impactful and well-shot, they don’t overshadow the plot. This is a narrative-led film, and that’s where it finds its identity, even when compared with giants like KGF Chapter 2 or Vikram.
Why Kuberaa Stands Out
★ Pan-India star power: Dhanush (Tamil/Telugu/Hindi), Nagarjuna (Telugu), Rashmika (all-India favourite)
★ Proven crafts: Sekhar Kammula’s direction brings both style and depth; Devi Sri Prasad’s music adds mass appeal
★ Strong storytelling hooks: Crime plot filled with ambition, morality, and emotional stakes speaks to modern audiences
🌐 Social Media Buzz & Public Response
From X (formerly Twitter) to Instagram, fans are showing up in numbers to share their reactions.
Here’s what they’re saying:
“Dhanush delivers a national-award-worthy performance.”
“Kuberaa proves you can make a mass film without losing story depth.”
“That twist in the second half? Didn’t see it coming!”
The hashtag #Kuberaa has been trending across major regions, especially in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and even Karnataka. Memes, emotional scene clips, and reviews are being shared widely, indicating strong positive word-of-mouth, which could help the film grow from Day 2 onwards.
Some fan clubs are comparing this to Dhanush’s Asuran and Nagarjuna’s Manam, calling it one of their “most intense roles to date.”
✅ Final Verdict: Is Kuberaa Worth Watching?
Absolutely.
Kuberaa is more than just a commercial film—it’s a layered, socially relevant story backed by top-notch performances and authentic direction. Whether you’re a fan of content-driven cinema or love stylised crime thrillers, Kuberaa brings the best of both worlds.
If the positive buzz holds through the weekend, Kuberaa could emerge as one of the surprise hits of 2025, especially in the non-Telugu markets. With its multilingual release, relatable emotions, and universal themes, Kuberaa has a strong shot at becoming the next breakout pan-India film.