Latest news with #Kuberaa
India.com
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
She Is My Favourite In The Film, Says Nagarjuna As He Showers Praise On Rashmika Mandanna's Role In Kuberaa
New Delhi: As Sekhar Kammula's much-anticipated crime drama Kuberaa hits theatres, the film is not only drawing strong reactions from audiences but also heartfelt appreciation from its lead cast. Veteran actor Nagarjuna, who stars in the film alongside Dhanush and Rashmika Mandanna, recently expressed his admiration for Rashmika's performance, calling her his 'favourite' in the film. During a promotional event, Nagarjuna said with enthusiasm, 'My favourite in the film is her… when I saw the dubbing… my favourite is her!! She suited the role so well!' His warm words reflect the lasting impression Rashmika left on her co-star, earning admiration for her transformation and screen presence. Joining the chorus of praise, actor Naga Chaitanya also lauded Rashmika's evolution as a performer: 'She really transformed herself into the character. We've seen her in a variety of characters… she's too good!' The father-son duo's appreciation not only highlights Rashmika's performance but also cements her rising stature in the industry. Adding to the wave of support, Rashmika's rumoured beau, Vijay Deverakonda, shared a heartfelt message on social media ahead of the film's release. 'Wishing #Kuberaa all the very best as it heads to the big screen,' he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Rashmika, clearly touched by the encouragement, reposted the message along with an emotional note: 'This is everything I work for.. This just makes everything so worth it. Fills my heart with so much joy when I see my director and Nag sir who I adore and look up to so much- proud of me.. Shekar sir and Nag sir - I hope to always have your blessings Our film is releasing tomorrow, I wish the best for all of us!' This is everything I work for.. This just makes everything so worth it. Fills my heart with so much joy when I see my director and Nag sir who I adore and look up to so much- proud of me.. Shekar sir and Nag sir -I hope to always have your blessings Our film is releasing… — Rashmika Mandanna (@iamRashmika) June 19, 2025 With its powerful performances, heartfelt team dynamics, and emotional backing from fans and peers alike, Kuberaa is shaping up to be more than just a crime drama, it's a testament to the collaborative spirit of cinema. Kuberaa is produced by Suniel Narang and Puskur Ram Mohan Rao under the banners of Sree Venkateswara Cinemas LLP and Amigos Creations Pvt Ltd.
Pink Villa
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Kuberaa Review: Dhanush serves as the driving force in tale of ‘power vs money' with a stern performance by Nagarjuna
Kuberaa, starring Dhanush and Nagarjuna Akkineni in the lead roles, hit the big screens on June 20, 2025. The Sekhar Kammula directorial offers an interesting tale of power vs money with the director's unique and extreme portrayal of realism. If you are planning to go deep into the webs of a crime-filled world, here's the Pinkvilla review for Kuberaa. The Plot Kuberaa narrates the tale of a business tycoon, Neeraj, a powerful man who plans to seize control of a newly discovered oil reserve in the Bay of Bengal. In order to make it a sure deal, he decides to bribe politicians from the entire nation with a sum of Rs 1 lakh crore. As the deal requires precarious treatment, the businessman decides to seek help from Deepak, a former CBI officer. With the plan involving the use of a beggar, he incorporates Deva, a homeless man, into his scheme, which leads to chaos that nobody expected. Whether the businessman succeeds in bribing the politicians and why the former CBI officer agreed to be part of the scheme form the rest of the film. The Good Exploring the facets of Kuberaa, the movie rides heavily on the characters Deva and Deepak. The roles are played by Dhanush and Nagarjuna Akkineni respectively. The actors have performed with utmost perfection. With the Raayan actor in the lead, Dhanush completely surrenders himself to the narrative, once again proving his calibre as a versatile performer. As the Sekhar Kammula directorial explores the extremities of a social condition, the film lies deeply embedded in realism, a rare feat in Telugu cinema. As the distinctive signature of the director is visually woven in the storyline, Kuberaa does seem to offer a novelty to its presentation, but the flaws of writing do not impact the characters in this film. The director offers utmost care in execution, and the technical aspects stand strong with Devi Sri Prasad's musical tracks. The composer's skills as a musician are strongly showcased with the cinematography by Niketh Bommireddy, capturing each frame with precision and aesthetic quality. The Bad Kuberaa is a tale that offers a fresh plot, but sadly, the movie fails from a writing standpoint. The poor crafting of the screenplay is trifling in both the first half and the second half. In the initial half, the Dhanush starrer sure takes its sweet time to establish the core aspects. The long duration for the world-building feels like a humongous task for a viewer, but a moment of elevation transforms it into an edge-of-the-seat thriller, leading to the midpoint. While the second half manages to continue the momentum, the third act fails to keep it up, managing to lose focus. The climax, where it all ties up together, is a saving grace in the fleeting moment, partially making up for the lacklustre writing. In all important aspects, Kuberaa suffers from a long runtime of more than 3 hours. While a writer and director may justify the duration as a necessity, a member of the audience may not be as impressed to spend such a huge chunk of time. In respect to characters, Rashmika Mandanna was brilliant with her portrayal; however, it seems like her importance in the flick was nerfed at one point. The failure to edit the film more concisely is a big con for experiencing the full potential of the movie. The Performances As mentioned earlier, Dhanush is the driving force for the social thriller venture. From the introduction scene itself, the actor adapts to his surroundings, paying attention to detail on every nuance. While Nagarjuna plays an age-appropriate role, the veteran star manages to showcase a door to his skills, often overlooked by many filmmakers. Rashmika offers her best version with this film. Finally, the addition of a brilliant actor like Jim Sarbh makes you want him to appear in more South films. Watch the trailer of Kuberaa: The Verdict 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. If you love such genres or simply want to experience a masterclass in acting by Dhanush, then surely watch this movie without fail.
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘Kuberaa' movie review: Sekhar Kammula's brave film is imperfect, yet compelling
The film begins by acknowledging its writer-director's 25-year career, and the title card — Sekhar Kammula's Kuberaa —says it all. Kuberaa is driven by its director and his ambitious tale that does not pander to the starry aura of Dhanush, Nagarjuna Akkineni, and Rashmika Mandanna. Sekhar makes them play characters — men and women inhabiting a complex world driven by money, power and greed. The narrative is not perfect. Yet, it is a brave one in the realm of mainstream Telugu cinema, giving viewers plenty to chew on. In broad terms, Kuberaa is the story of a capitalist exploiting those who are below the poverty line. How these two worlds collide makes all the difference. A multi-billionaire (Jim Sarbh as Neeraj Mitra) believes 'fame is power'. He lives in a Mumbai high-rise that has an infinity pool. At the other end of the spectrum are those who beg for alms, whom this film describes as the 'invisible', brushed aside at traffic signals and at places of worship as an inconvenience. Kuberaa (Telugu) Director: Sekhar Kammula Cast: Dhanush, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Rashmika Mandanna, Jim Sarbh Run-time: 182 minutes Storyline: A business tycoon's ambitious plans are under threat when an underdog's tenacity to survive poses unexpected challenges. The first hour unravels the different worlds. A pacy opening sequence establishes the power games of the business tycoon, who does not flinch at dispensing with lives for his ambition. Jim Sarbh does not miss a beat as the cold, calculating antagonist. His ability to speak Telugu, with all the intonations, is a bonus. Sekhar introduces his key players in a non-formulaic manner. When Dhanush, as Deva the beggar, comes into view, the audience cheers. The actor has played realistic characters that represent the oppressed sections of society in the past with admirable consistency. Here, he takes it a notch higher. The writing gives him, and his associates, enough material to work with as the narrative takes a close look at the life of beggars. Even if groomed and dressed up in the best of suits, can they grasp what is happening around them? Can they be exploited for the bare minimum needs of food and shelter? A telling sequence shows the lack of dignity in their death. These polar opposite worlds cross paths with the help of CBI officer Deepak Tej (Nagarjuna), now behind bars for just doing his job. Nagarjuna plays a man in turmoil, one who wants to do the right thing but is manipulated to go against his conscience. Nagarjuna conveys the anguish of his character with restrained intensity. His body language and eyes convey the plight of a lion, now caged. It takes a while for the narrative to find its rhythm, as it shifts between the characters. Niketh Bommi's cinematography and Thota Tharani's production design establish the uber-luxurious world of Neeraj Mitra, with imposing structures that dwarf those who work for him. At other times, Niketh and Tharani work in the background, staying invisible and letting the attention remain solely on the story and its characters. Substantial portions of the film unfold in real locations, from Mumbai's landmarks to the garbage dumps, and all of this adds credence to the narrative. The narrative comes to a boil once the cards are revealed and a cat-and-mouse game for survival begins. A character's love for animals also adds depth to the proceedings. If three characters — representing the uber rich, the middle class, and the lower strata — caught in a tangle is not enough, a fourth character brings an edge to the drama. The quiet yet effective introduction shot of Rashmika Mandanna as Sameera is worth a mention. As the film progresses, she is a revelation, blending innocence, helplessness and gentle humour. Through the film, Sekhar questions if one man's greed and ambition should throw everyone else into a spiral. Do the oppressed not stand a chance to survive with dignity? The questions recur and there are times the writing gets preachy. Some of the best portions are when the film is in a thriller zone with the possibility of the tables turning. There is trust, betrayal, and a quest for redemption. However, the final portions are a tad unconvincing. It appears as though the director, who has written the film with his long-time associate Chaitanya Pingali, wanted to move away from a predictable path and instead, deliver poetic justice. The transitions between a few sequences also feel abrupt. For instance, it takes a while to discern that four beggars have been brought in from four different corners of the country. A subplot involving a pregnant woman (despite being convincingly portrayed) is like a sore thumb; so is a brief flashback involving a young mother. A few years ago, while remaking Sujoy Ghosh's Kahaani in Telugu (as Anamika), Sekhar refrained from portraying his protagonist as a pregnant woman, arguing that he did not want to evoke audience sympathy merely by showing a pregnant woman in distress. Here, however, this aspect is played up and the character's conclusion seems contrived. A one-note sidekick of the antagonist is also annoying. A few deft touches that work in favour of the narrative are the nuggets of Deva's childhood and his tenacity to survive. In a scene, Deva bathing in water that streams from a broken pipeline, against the words 'save water', which shows the cracks in urban infrastructure. Deva's frequent query about the day of the week and how it ties up to food and religion is a smart observation. Also chuckle-worthy is how a character promises to offer a diamond crown to the temple if his problems are solved. Kuberaa leaves a few questions unanswered towards the end. These niggles stop the story from being wholly compelling. Music composer Devi Sri Prasad who deftly switches between the different worlds, makes us overlook a few rough edges with his score that is sometimes subdued and at other times, rousing. 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. Kuberaa is currently running in theatres
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Inspiring tales of mentorship to watch on OTT that mirror Sitaare Zameen Par
Aamir Khan's highly awaited return in Sitaare Zameen Par has sparked excitement among fans. The movie finally hit the screens on June 20 and clashed with Dhanush and Nagarjuna's Kuberaa. As you delve into a heartwarming tale of resilience, compassion, and emotional growth with Sitaare Zameen Par, let's revisit other iconic tales that inspire with their captivating plots and nuanced characters. From sports dramas like Ghoomer to inspiring tales like Nil Battey Sannata, stream binge-worthy films on OTTplay Premium From Naseeruddin Shah's tough mentorship in Iqbal to Amitabh Bachchan's life-changing guidance to slum dwellers, let's check out some epic stories of the on-screen mentors whose beliefs poked potential when no one else did. Explore some magical tales on OTTplay Premium that go beyond blackboards and class sessions. If you're looking for a heartwarming sports drama film, this one is an ideal watch. The story is centered around a deaf-and-mute boy (played by Shreyas Talpade) who beat the odds to fulfill his dream of becoming a cricketer on the Indian team. Whether it is his unwavering spirit or the passion and dedication of his reluctant coach, the movie inspires you to follow your dreams even if they seem difficult to accomplish. Naseeruddin Shah plays his coach, who helps him in his journey. The plot revolves around a sports mentor who teams up with a group of slum children to form a unique football team for keeping them away from the influence of crime and drugs. Amitabh Bachchan plays the leading coach in this sports biopic, which is based on the life of Vijay Barse (NGO Slum Soccer founder). Abhishek Bachchan delivers a powerful performance in this sports drama film as he plays a cricket coach who inspires a batting prodigy named Anina to pursue her dreams after she suffers a tragic fate and loses her right hand. The failed cricket coach develops a new strategy and unconventional training techniques to turn her into a bowler for the national cricket team. Saiyami Kher plays the role of an aspiring cricketer. Featuring R. Madhavan as a gifted boxing coach who becomes a target of workplace politics, this sports film was released in both Tamil and Hindi versions (Saala Khadoos), with the former garnering critical acclaim for its execution and performances. The movie also marks the debut of Ritika Singh. The story revolves around a former boxer who decides to train a fishmonger but talented amateur boxer. Experience a story of optimism and determination that battle the odds.
India Today
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Emotional Dhanush watches Kuberaa with director Sekhar Kammula in Chennai. Watch
Dhanush and his son, Lingaa, watched 'Kuberaa', with director Sekhar Kammula and family at Rohini Silverscreens in Chennai on Friday. The actor's fans were in for a massive surprise seeing him in the theatres and cheered for him with whistles and chants. Dhanush's father, Kasthuri Raja, and son, Lingaa, along with family and friends watched the film along with fans.A video from inside the theatre shows Dhanush getting emotional as his fans cheered for his entry in the film. Lingaa can be seen capturing the moment on his the video:Dhanush get emotional after seeing #Kuberaa Response @dhanushkraja WHAT A PERFORMANCE THROUGHOUT ENTIRE Dhanush Trends (@Dhanush_Trends) June 20, 2025 Here's the photo: Director Sekhar Kammula watched the Tamil version of the film in Chennai along with Dhanush and his family. Another video shows Sekhar thanking the the video:Ayya @sekharkammula. After a long time, we saw D acting potential, Dancing on floors, Mass scenes without over for this Masterpiece and forever grateful! .I'm really excited for D to do another film with. Tollywood Vetrimaran for us.#Kuberaa Dhanush Rithik (@Dhanush_rithik5) June 20, 2025Director Kasthuri Raja congratulated director Sekhar Kammula on the film. Take a look: 'Kuberaa' is a crime drama featuring Dhanush, Nagarjuna, Jim Sarbh and Rashmika Mandanna in lead roles. The film has been receiving positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The film is directed by Sree Venkateswara Cinemas LLP and Amigos Watch
