Kuberaa

Kuberaa
Theatrical release poster
Directed bySekhar Kammula
Written by
  • Sekhar Kammula
  • Chaithanya Pingali
Produced by
  • Suniel Narang
  • Puskur Ram Mohan Rao
  • Ajay Kaikala
Starring
CinematographyNiketh Bommireddy
Edited byKarthika Srinivas
Music byDevi Sri Prasad
Production
companies
Release date
  • 20 June 2025 (2025-06-20)
Running time
181 minutes (Telugu)
182 minutes (Tamil)[1][2]
CountryIndia
LanguagesTelugu
Tamil
Budget₹120–150 crore[a]
Box office₹134.52 crore[6]

Kuberaa is a 2025 Indian crime drama film directed by Sekhar Kammula, who co-wrote the screenplay with Chaithanya Pingali. Produced by Sree Venkateswara Cinemas LLP and Amigos Creations, the film was simultaneously shot in Telugu and Tamil. It stars Dhanush, Nagarjuna, Rashmika Mandanna, Jim Sarbh and Dalip Tahil.[7]

The film was announced in June 2021. Principal photography took place from February to April 2024, and its official title was announced in March. The film has music composed by Devi Sri Prasad, cinematography by Niketh Bommireddy, editing by Karthika Srinivas and production design by Thota Tharani. Kuberaa was released worldwide on 20 June 2025 and was successful at the box office grossing ₹134.52 crore worldwide.[8][9]

Plot

Neeraj Mitra, a powerful and ambitious businessman in Mumbai, discovers a rare oil reserve hidden in the Bay of Bengal. Eager to turn it into a source of wealth, influence, and political control, he plans a secret mission along with his business tycoon dad with the backing of the top politicians. To make it work, he turns to Deepak, a sincere and ex-C.B.I. officer now in prison for refusing to bow to corruption. Left with no choice, Deepak agrees to help. Though he does not share Neeraj's greed, his circumstances force him into the plan. Deepak gathers a group of beggars from across the country to carry out the job quietly in Mumbai.

One of them is Deva Kallam, a kind-hearted naive man from Tirupati who has no idea what he has been dragged into. Eventually, Deva discovers they plan to kill him, along with the other beggars Deepak took the help of, and he escapes. This sparks a manhunt with Neeraj and Deepak racing to find him before the truth unravels and they face the dire consequences of losing him. On the run, Deva meets Sameera, who has been stranded in Mumbai after being jilted by her boyfriend, and what follows is a gripping journey of survival, trust, and inner strength.

Cast

Production

Development

In June 2021, ahead the release of his Jagame Thandhiram, Dhanush officially announced his upcoming film directed by Sekhar Kammula.[10] It would be produced by Sree Venkateswara Cinemas, LLP and Amigos Creations. The film was reported to be Dhanush's Telugu debut.[11] A muhurat puja was held on 28 November 2022 in Hyderabad.[12] Nagarjuna and Rashmika Mandanna were announced as the other leading actors in August 2023.[13][14] While the film was originally known under the working title D51, as it is Dhanush's 51st film as the leading actor,[15] with the arrival of Nagarjuna, it was changed to DNS, the initialism referring to Dhanush, Nagarjuna and Sekhar.[16] The official title, Kubera, was announced on 8 March 2024.[17] Almost a year later, the spelling was amended to Kuberaa.[18]

Filming

Principal photography began with the first schedule on 17 January 2024 in Hyderabad.[19] In late January, production moved to a temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.[20] However, the team were filming near the Ghat Roads by Alipiri, leading to vehicles moving towards the temple, being redirected by the police and the bouncers. The roadblocks and diversion led to commotion and traffic jams around the temple. The public went on to question the police to know how they permitted the team to shoot at that spot and filed a police complaint against the team.[21] The second schedule commenced on 8 February in Goa.[22] On 13 March, the production house posted behind-the-scene stills, while also announcing a new schedule in Bangkok.[23] In early May, production moved to Mumbai. During this schedule, Dhanush shot a sequence for 12 hours beside a dump yard.[24] Filming wrapped in late April.[25]

Title dispute

In April 2024, film producer Karmikonda Narendra stated that he owned the rights of the title Kubera and had already completed shooting a film with the title. He filed a complaint, but was not responded to. Soon after, Narendra urged the Telangana Film Chamber to intervene and resolve the dispute.[26] Kammula's film was subsequently renamed Kuberaa.[18]

Soundtrack

The soundtrack is composed by Devi Sri Prasad in his third collaboration with Dhanush and first with Sekhar Kammula. The audio rights were acquired by Aditya Music.[27]

The first single, "Poyiraa Mama" was released on 2 March 2025.[28] The second single, "Anaganaga Kadha" was released on 2 June 2025.[29]

Telugu tracklisting
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Poyiraa Mama"BhaskarabhatlaDhanush4:03
2."Trance of Kuberaa"Nanda KishoreHema Chandra, Dhanush2:08
3."Anaganaga Kadha"ChandraboseHyde Karty, Kareemullah3:00
4."Pippi Pippi Dum Dum Dum"Chaitanya PingaliIndravathi Chauhan4:44
5."Naa Koduka"Nanda KishoreSinduri Vishal3:47
Tamil tracklisting
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Poyivaa Nanba"VivekaDhanush4:03
2."Trance of Kuberaa"VivekaDeepak Blue, Dhanush2:08
3."Kadha Kadha Kadhai"VivekaHyde Karty, Kareemullah3:00
4."En Magane"VivekaSinduri Vishal4:45

Release

Theatrical

Kuberaa was released worldwide on 20 June 2025 in theatres.[30] The Tamil Nadu distribution rights were bought by Romeo Pictures.[31]

Home media

The post-theatrical streaming rights were acquired by Amazon Prime Video.[32] The film will began streaming on Amazon Prime Video from 18 July 2025 in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam and Kannada languages.[33]

Reception

Critical response

Avad Mohammad of OTTPlay gave 4/5 stars and wrote "Kuberaa is one of the best Telugu films in recent times. With gripping thrills, heartfelt emotions, a compelling story, and a powerful message, the film delivers on every front."[34] Paul Nicodemus of The Times of India gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "Kuberaa is not your usual commercial potboiler—and that's precisely what makes it worth a watch. It's a brooding, introspective take on wealth and morality. It's not flawless, but it's a bold leap from a filmmaker unafraid to reinvent his canvas."[35] Swaroop Kodur of The Indian Express gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "Kuberaa wears its bleeding heart on its sleeve for the marginalised, and while several scenes are effective, a few others feel repetitive and yank the pacing.[...] If the bloated duration of the film could be overlooked, Kuberaa stands apart from all the cacophony around as a one-of-a-kind 'mass' experience."[36] BH Harsh of Cinema Express gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "Dhanush's performance, aided by Sekhar's direction, does wonders here. [...] Kuberaa is a bold stroke of filmmaking, staunch in its commentary and so affecting in its sentiment. A few quibbles can be ignored."[37] Goutham S of Pinkvilla gave 3/5 stars and wrote "Kuberaa is an interesting and unique attempt by Sekhar Kammula in blending commercial aspects with a realistic narrative. A talented ensemble cast at the helm, the social thriller is a fresh cup of tea despite its flaws."[38]

Janani K of India Today gave 3/5 stars and wrote "Kuberaa raises important questions about justice, money and power. But, it is not one without flaws. The pre-climax and climax feel a bit rushed and lack emotional connect. That said, Kuberaa presents a world that will keep you intrigued."[39] Kirubhakar Purushothaman of News18 gave 3/5 stars and wrote "While Kuberaa carefully steers away from the generic nature of commercial entertainers, the end seems like an easy way out and undermines its desire to be unique."[40] Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of The Hindu wrote "Kuberaa falls short of being a gamechanger. But it is a brave film from a director who has often stepped away from the norm, and raised pertinent questions. That is ample reason to cheer."[41]

Box office

Kubera grossed ₹13 crore net on its opening day in India,[42] with a worldwide gross of ₹26 crore, marking Dhanush's highest opening day collection.[43] On its second day, the film earned an estimated ₹17 crore net in India, pushing the global gross past ₹50 crore.[44] The third day saw collections of ₹18.5 crore net in India, resulting in a domestic weekend total of ₹48.5 crore and a global gross of approximately ₹79 crore.[45] On the fourth day, earnings dropped to ₹7.25 crore net in India.[46] By the end of its first week, the film had grossed an estimated ₹104 crore worldwide, with ₹78 crore from India and ₹26 crore from overseas markets.[47] The film grossed ₹132 crore worldwide in sixteen days, thus achieving the break-even point and became successful at the box office.[8]

Notes

  1. ^ Deccan Herald reported ₹120 crore[3] and Pinkvilla reported 125 crore (including prints and advertisement costs).[4] Cinema Express reported ₹150 crore.[5]

References

  1. ^ "Kuberaa". cbfcindia.gov.in. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
  2. ^ "Censor board cuts 19 Scenes from Dhanush, Nagarjuna's Kuberaa ahead of release". India Today. 18 June 2025. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
  3. ^ Prakash, B. V. S. (30 November 2024). "Guess the budget of Tamil star Dhanush's costliest film?". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 28 February 2025. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
  4. ^ Singh, Jatinder (21 June 2025). "Kuberaa Box Office: Rings career best opening for Dhanush with 26cr first day worldwide". Pinkvilla. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
  5. ^ "Kuberaa producer: OTT revenue would be slashed by Rs 10 crore if we postpone the release". Cinema Express. 10 June 2025.
  6. ^ "16 ദിവസം, കുബേര നേടിയ കളക്ഷൻ ഞെട്ടിക്കുന്നു, കണക്കുകള്‍". Asianet News Malayalam (in Malayalam). 7 July 2025. Retrieved 7 July 2025. ആഗോള ഗ്രോസ് കളക്ഷൻ 16 ദിവസത്തില്‍ 132 കോടിയാണ് നേടിയിരിക്കുന്നത് എന്നാണ് ഒഫിഷ്യല്‍ റിപ്പോര്‍ട്ട് [The official report says that the global gross collection has reached 132 crores in 16 days.]
  7. ^ "Sekhar Kammula on 'Kuberaa' and his next plans". Telugucinema.com. 18 June 2025. Archived from the original on 19 June 2025. Retrieved 19 June 2025.
  8. ^ a b "16 ദിവസം, കുബേര നേടിയ കളക്ഷൻ ഞെട്ടിക്കുന്നു, കണക്കുകള്‍". Asianet News Malayalam (in Malayalam). 7 July 2025. Retrieved 7 July 2025. ആഗോള ഗ്രോസ് കളക്ഷൻ 16 ദിവസത്തില്‍ 132 കോടിയാണ് നേടിയിരിക്കുന്നത് എന്നാണ് ഒഫിഷ്യല്‍ റിപ്പോര്‍ട്ട് [The official report says that the global gross collection has reached 132 crores in 16 days.]
  9. ^ Rangaiahgari, Bhanuprasad (6 July 2025). "Kubera Movie: బ్రేక్ ఈవెన్ కంప్లీట్ చేసుకున్న 'కుబేర' మూవీ.. ఎన్ని కోట్ల లాభాలో తెలుసా?". News18 Telugu (in Telugu). Retrieved 7 July 2025. వరల్డ్ వైడ్‌గా 16వ రోజున బ్రేక్ ఈవెన్ మార్క్‌ను చేరుకోవడంతో సినిమా విజయం సాధించినట్టైంది. కొన్ని ఏరియాల్లో చిన్నపాటి నష్టాలు వచ్చినా, ఓవరాల్‌గా సినిమా 'క్లీన్ హిట్'గా నిలిచింది [The film was a success as it reached the break-even mark on its 16th day worldwide. Despite minor losses in some areas, overall the film was a 'clean hit'.]
  10. ^ K, Janani (18 June 2021). "Dhanush and director Sekhar Kammula team up for a trilingual film. Details inside". India Today. Archived from the original on 26 January 2025. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
  11. ^ "Dhanush's First Look From His Next With Director Sekhar Kammula Is Trending". News18. 1 February 2024. Archived from the original on 23 June 2024. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
  12. ^ "Dhanush's trilingual film with director Sekhar Kammula goes on floors". The Times of India. 28 November 2022. Archived from the original on 2 December 2022. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
  13. ^ "Official! Nagarjuna Akkineni is on board for Dhanush's film with Shekhar Kammula". The Times of India. 29 August 2023. Archived from the original on 18 January 2024. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
  14. ^ "Rashmika Mandanna to play the female lead in Dhanush's D51". The Times of India. 14 August 2023. Archived from the original on 28 September 2023. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
  15. ^ "'D51' poster: Dhanush teams with Sekhar Kammula for next". The Hindu. 27 July 2023. Archived from the original on 5 July 2024. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
  16. ^ "'Kubera' first look: Dhanush intrigues in first film with Sekhar Kammula". The Hindu. 9 March 2024. Archived from the original on 25 January 2025. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  17. ^ "Dhanush's film with Sekhar Kammula titled Kubera". The Times of India. 8 March 2024. Archived from the original on 3 April 2024. Retrieved 1 February 2025.
  18. ^ a b "Kuberaa: Dhanush And Nagarjuna's Film Gets A Release Date". NDTV. Indo-Asian News Service. 27 February 2025. Archived from the original on 27 February 2025. Retrieved 27 February 2025.
  19. ^ "Dhanush, Nagarjuna, Rashmika Mandanna to star together in Sekhar Kammula's next". Hindustan Times. 18 January 2024. Archived from the original on 26 January 2025. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
  20. ^ "Dhanush shoots for his next with Sekhar Kammula in Tirupati; causes traffic woes for devotees". Hindustan Times. 31 January 2024. Archived from the original on 2 June 2024. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
  21. ^ Nadkarni, Aashna (1 February 2024). "Dhanush Shoots For His Next Project In Tirupati, Leaves Devotees Irked; Local File A Complaint- Read REPORTS". SpotboyE. Archived from the original on 24 July 2024. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
  22. ^ Akhil (8 February 2024). "Dhanush and Nag Shooting In Goa". M9.news. Archived from the original on 4 August 2024. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
  23. ^ "Did Nagarjuna Akkineni and Shekhar Kammula kick-start the schedule of 'Kubera' in Bangkok? Here's what we know..." The Times of India. 13 March 2024. Archived from the original on 20 March 2024. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
  24. ^ "Dhanush's dedication to 'Kubera' will surprise you". The Times of India. 6 May 2024. Archived from the original on 8 May 2024. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
  25. ^ "Rashmika shares glimpse from 'Kubera' set as Dhanush film wraps up". Telangana Today. IANS. 25 April 2024. Archived from the original on 13 June 2025. Retrieved 13 June 2025.
  26. ^ Manu, Hridyambika A (16 April 2024). "Kubera – Dhanush-starrer runs into trouble; makers to look for alternate title?". OTTPlay. Archived from the original on 27 May 2024. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
  27. ^ "Dhanush's 'Kubera' teaser on November 15". The Times of India. 2 November 2024. Archived from the original on 2 February 2025. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  28. ^ "Kuberaa 1st song Poyiraa Mama Out: Dhanush Sings The Vocals, Grooves With Full Swag". News18. 21 April 2025. Archived from the original on 29 April 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  29. ^ "Second single 'Anaganaga Kadha' from Kuberaa explores social inequality". Cinema Express. 2 June 2025. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
  30. ^ "Dhanush, Nagarjuna-starrer Kubera to release on June 20 this year". Telangana Today. 27 February 2025. Archived from the original on 27 February 2025. Retrieved 27 February 2025.
  31. ^ "தனுஷின் "குபேரா" தமிழ்நாட்டு திரையரங்க வெளியீட்டு உரிமையை பெற்ற பிரபல நிறுவனம்". Dina Thanthi (in Tamil). 16 May 2025. Archived from the original on 17 May 2025. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
  32. ^ "Kuberaa on OTT: Where to watch Nagarjuna, Dhanush and Rashmika Mandanna's film online after its theatrical run". Pinkvilla. 27 February 2025. Archived from the original on 27 February 2025. Retrieved 27 February 2025.
  33. ^ "Kuberaa OTT release: Here's where and when you can stream Dhanush, Nagarjuna and Rashmika Mandanna-starrer". Mid-Day. 11 July 2025. Retrieved 12 July 2025.
  34. ^ Mohammad, Avad (20 June 2025). "Kuberaa Review: Dhanush mesmerizes in Sekhar Kammula's boldest film yet". OTTPlay. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
  35. ^ Nicodemus, Paul (21 June 2025). "Kuberaa Movie Review: Dhanush and Nagarjuna anchor a brooding, thought-provoking social drama". The Times of India. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
  36. ^ Kodur, Swaroop (20 June 2025). "Kuberaa movie review: Dhanush and Nagarjuna shine bright in Sekhar Kammula's mindful 'massy' film". The Indian Express. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
  37. ^ Harsh, B. H. (20 June 2025). "Kuberaa Movie Review: A searingly humane socio-political thriller". Cinema Express. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
  38. ^ S, Goutham (20 June 2025). "Kuberaa Review: Dhanush serves as the driving force in tale of 'power vs money' with a stern performance by Nagarjuna". Pinkvilla. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
  39. ^ K, Janani (20 June 2025). "Kuberaa review: Compelling premise meets conventional end in Dhanush-Nagarjuna film". India Today. Archived from the original on 20 June 2025. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
  40. ^ Purushothaman, Kirubhakar (20 June 2025). "Kuberaa Review: Dhanush, Nagarjuna's Film Is A Predictable But Engaging Tale Of Greed". News18. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
  41. ^ Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (20 June 2025). "'Kuberaa' movie review: Sekhar Kammula's brave film is imperfect, yet compelling". The Hindu. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
  42. ^ Jogani, Rishil (20 June 2025). "Kuberaa Day 1 India Box Office Estimates". Pinkvilla. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
  43. ^ Singh, Jatindar (21 June 2025). "Kuberaa Box Office Collections: Rings 26cr worldwide on first day". Pinkvilla. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
  44. ^ Singh, Jatinder (22 June 2025). "Kuberaa Box Office Collections: Dhanush starrer tops 50 cr worldwide with a rare jump in biz on Day 2". Pinkvilla. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
  45. ^ Singh, Jatinder (25 June 2025). "Kuberaa Box Office Collections: Dhanush starrer richer with 79 cr weekend worldwide". Pinkvilla. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
  46. ^ Singh, Jatinder (26 June 2025). "Kuberaa Box Office Collections: Dhanush starrer has a so-so hold on Monday". Pinkvilla. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
  47. ^ Dixit, Mohit (27 June 2025). "Kuberaa Worldwide Week One Box Office: Dhanush and Nagarjuna starrer clocks Rs 104 crore globally". Pinkvilla. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
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