Kuberaa review: Compelling premise meets conventional end in Dhanush-Nagarjuna film
Telugu filmmaker Sekhar Kammula's reputation speaks for itself. With films like 'Anand', 'Godavari', and 'Fidaa', among others, his films are rooted yet progressive at the same time. His films, even after years, make you fall in love with it all over again. His latest offering, 'Kuberaa', with a power-packed cast including Dhanush, Nagarjuna, Jim Sarbh and Rashmika Mandanna, is a film that touches upon various topics including power, money, betrayal, humanity and justice. Has he managed to strike gold again? Let's find out!Neeraj Mitra (Jim Sarbh) is a powerful and ruthless businessman who discovers oil reserves that could support India for the next 15 years. He strikes a deal with the ruling government that would benefit both parties in the long run. To help execute his plan, Neeraj approaches Deepak (Nagarjuna), an honest CBI officer who is in prison due to a false case. Although Deepak initially refuses, he eventually joins forces with Neeraj and his father after much prodding.advertisementDeepak comes up with a plan of scouting four beggars from different parts of the country to help Neeraj's vision, without knowing the consequences. One of them is Deva (Dhanush), a naive but sharp man with a zest for life. When Deepak's plan faces a snag, it sort of exposes the true faces and intentions of the people above him. Deva will have to make sense of what's happening around him and go on a journey of survival. Director Sekhar Kammula's 'Kuberaa' presents an engaging concept through the lives of three very different individuals - Neeraj, Deepak and Deva. Neeraj represents those who believe everything can be bought with money and power. Deepak, a man caught in the middle of the economic table, is honest but abandoned by law and justice. Deva is a beggar, but a man happy with what he earns. Neeraj wants to become the most influential, Deepak wants to clear the stain on his name and Deva simply wants to survive. When these three characters collide, you get 'Kuberaa'.The film takes its time introducing each character, pulling us into their worlds. The screenplay keeps you hooked, building anticipation for what's next. Sekhar Kammula does his best to keep the proceedings interesting and clever. However, as the film veers into the second half, it sinks. Until then, it stays true to the genre, belting out one twist after another, only to resort to a conventional ending.advertisement
Dhanush, as the beggar Deva, sinks his teeth into the role with the utmost sincerity. You don't see Dhanush in the role, you only see Deva and that's the biggest plus. You buy his innocence, you root for him, and you want the world to be kind to him. And he makes you feel all of this with his superlative performance. Nagarjuna brings his expertise to playing the grey-shaded role of Deepak. Sekhar Kammula's characters are always layered and Dhanush and Nagarjuna make us feel for Deva and Deepak. Jim Sarbh has a one-note character as a villain, but he does his best to make Neeraj the ruthless monster that he is.Rashmika Mandanna, as Sameera, acts as a catalyst and is sunshine in Deva's life. When his life is at risk, she appears to save him and delivers a memorable performance. Director Sekhar Kammula's 'Kuberaa' is metaphorical in many ways. Some scenes make one understand that all of us are beggars in one way or the other. The layered understanding of life, power and money is 'Kuberaa's' strength.Devi Sri Prasad's background music elevates the film. However, the songs could have been avoided as they don't add much to the film's storyline. The editing could have been tighter. With a runtime of 3 hours and 2 minutes, the film does feel overly long, and it shows.'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.3 out of 5 stars for 'Kuberaa'.
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