Kuberaa (2025) Movie Review: A Gritty Tale of Redemption and Social Justice
As of June 2025, Kuberaa is not yet available on streaming platforms. To stay updated on availability, visit JustWatch. Predictions suggest it may soon be available on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or ZEE5 given their history with high-profile Indian releases.
Introduction: An Unconventional Socio-Political Thriller
Kuberaa (2025), directed by Sekhar Kammula, is a bold socio-political crime drama that delivers a compelling narrative infused with themes of poverty, corruption, and moral transformation. Starring Dhanush as Deva, Nagarjuna as Deepak, and Rashmika Mandanna as Sameera, the film explores the grey areas between good and evil, wealth and morality, and the human cost of systemic greed. With a runtime nearing three hours, Kuberaa doesn’t cater to conventional storytelling, but rewards patient viewers with depth and purpose.
Plot Summary: From Beggar to Beacon
At the heart of Kuberaa lies Deva, a beggar caught in a sinister financial scheme orchestrated by the cold and calculating billionaire Neeraj, who uses beggars as benamis to launder billions. A disgraced but morally shaken civil servant, Deepak, becomes entangled in this web. When Deva escapes with ₹10,000 crores, he is hunted down relentlessly.
What follows is not a tale of revenge, but one of purpose. Deva, with the help of Sameera—a lonely, idealistic woman—and Deepak, sets out to redistribute the stolen fortune to uplift the nation’s poor. It’s a story that embraces humanity over heroism, tackling real-world issues like homelessness, exploitation, and institutional rot.
Performance: Dhanush, the Heart of Kuberaa
Dhanush’s portrayal of Deva is nothing short of phenomenal. He doesn’t just play a role; he embodies it. With a nuanced performance that transitions from helplessness to quiet determination, Dhanush cements Deva as one of his most memorable characters.
Nagarjuna offers one of his finest recent performances, bringing emotional weight to a character torn between his past misdeeds and newfound conscience. Rashmika Mandanna’s Sameera is a refreshing presence—graceful, grounded, and strong in moments that matter.
Themes and Symbolism: Poverty, Redemption, and Power
Kuberaa’s core lies in its allegorical battle between the marginalized and the elite. It doesn’t spoon-feed its message, instead allowing its visuals, dialogue, and situations to speak volumes. The film critiques the systemic hoarding of wealth and elevates the powerless into agents of change.
The symbolism is strong throughout: from Deva’s transformation being reflected through cinematography shifts to the use of beggars as metaphors for suppressed voices. Sameera’s arc adds emotional warmth and perspective, while Deepak’s internal conflict humanizes bureaucratic guilt.
Technical Aspects: A Film of Contrasts
- Cinematography by Niketh Bommireddy is rooted in realism. Filmed in live locations, it captures the grit and grandeur of Mumbai’s underbelly.
- Music by DSP is the soul of the film. Tracks like “Poivaa Nanba” are placed with surgical precision, accentuating emotion without disrupting the narrative.
- Editing by Karthika Srinivas could have benefited from tighter pacing. The film’s 190-minute length makes it feel heavy, especially during prolonged montages.
Despite its length, there’s a clear effort to stay true to the story without indulging in unnecessary detours. The production value is top-notch, featuring lavish set pieces, helicopters, and stylized action sequences—a rare blend in socially conscious cinema.
Critical Reception: A Divisive Masterpiece?
Kuberaa has polarized audiences. For some, it’s a groundbreaking film that redefines the purpose of cinema. For others, it’s an overindulgent political fantasy. But even critics who question the climax or pacing agree: the performances and themes are unforgettable.
There are sparks of brilliance in how the film tackles corporate corruption, the commodification of the poor, and the role of governance. Yet, its ending—while bold—feels rushed, leaving some narrative threads unresolved.
Where to Watch Kuberaa (2025)
As of writing (June 2025), Kuberaa is not yet available for online streaming or digital rental in the United States. However, based on distribution trends for Indian blockbusters:
- Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are the most likely platforms for SVOD release.
- ZEE5 and SonyLIV may acquire rights, especially for the South Asian diaspora.
- Google TV, Apple TV, and YouTube Movies may offer it for rental or purchase within the next few months.
Track availability live at: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/kuberaa
Final Verdict: A Must-Watch With Caveats
Kuberaa is not for the faint-hearted. It is long, emotionally draining, and occasionally inconsistent. Yet it is also poetic, powerful, and politically charged. Dhanush delivers a performance that will be studied for years. Sekhar Kammula’s vision is ambitious and heartfelt, even if execution occasionally stumbles.
For fans of socially-driven cinema that dares to dream big, Kuberaa is a must-watch.
Are you ready for one of the most talked-about Indian films of 2025? Don’t miss Kuberaa when it drops on streaming. Bookmark the JustWatch page to stay updated.
If you’ve seen the film in theaters, we want to hear from you. Did Deva’s story move you? Was the ending satisfying? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag us on social media.
