Movie review: “Kuberaa” a unique concept that’s for everyone

Kuberaa, Sekhar Kammula, Dhanush, Nagarjuna, Rashmika Mandanna, Operation Sagar Mathan, beggars, business syndicate, unique concept, emotional connect, slow pacing, cinematography, background score, Telugu cinema

Hyderabad: Kuberaa, directed by Sekhar Kammula, offers a fresh and unique story that stands out for its attempt to connect beggars to a high-stakes business syndicate. With a gripping plot and a powerful cast, the film takes a bold approach, but not without a few bumps along the way.

The story centres around Operation Sagar Matham and its connection to a powerful business magnate named Neeraj. Honest CBI officer Deepak Tej (played by Nagarjuna) is tied into this secretive operation. A twist comes when a few beggars, including Deva (Dhanush), unknowingly become part of a shady business deal. As Deepak and Neeraj work on their plan, questions arise: What happens to the beggars once the agreement is over? Will Deva fall into their trap or escape? His journey takes a turn when he meets Sameera (Rashmika Mandanna), a key character who helps him navigate the outside world.

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The first half of the film focuses on building this mystery and the setup of the operation, while the second half explores Deva’s escape attempt and Deepak’s realisation. The concept of involving beggars in a business syndicate is new and interesting. The story is well-connected, and it’s surprising how the director managed to pull all the threads together. However, despite the strong idea, the film misses emotional depth in several key moments. The slow pacing and repetitive dialogues in some parts also weaken the impact.

Director Sekhar Kammula, who marks 25 years in the industry with Kuberaa, moves away from his signature feel-good narratives. Known for films like Anand, Godavari, Happy Days, Fidaa, and Love Story, Sekhar opts for a more intense and serious tone this time, similar to the path he once took with Leader, the political drama starring Rana Daggubati. The shift in tone is handled well, and both the beginning and ending are strong, showing his steady hand as a filmmaker.

Dhanush, Nagarjuna, and Rashmika bring their experience to the table, but at times their characters feel like they could’ve offered more. Rashmika’s role had the potential to bring a stronger emotional connection, while Dhanush, though convincing, could have gone deeper into the rawness of the beggar character. Greater involvement from the actors might have added more depth.

Technically, the film has solid support. Cinematography by Niketh Bommireddy is impressive, capturing the darker tones of the film. Editing by Karthika Srinivas, however, could have been sharper. At 184 minutes, the film feels too long, especially in the first half.

Music by Devi Sri Prasad does its job, but lacks freshness. The background score sounds familiar and doesn’t leave a lasting impression.

In the end, Kuberaa is a film with a strong and original concept, making it a good choice for those looking for something different. While it may not be perfect, it’s worth a watch, especially with your family, for its unique story and good performances.