Kubera is a taut crime-thriller that never loosens its grip. The three-hour runtime flies by in a rush of suspense, emotion, and edge of your seat twists. The ultra-rich with the harsh reality of those who can’t even secure a single meal. By exploring these two worlds side by side, it forces us to confront the stark divide between wealth and poverty.
The film, directed by Sekhar Kammula, attempts a multi-layered narrative delving into financial crimes and societal power structures. The initial premise is good, offering an intriguing setup that promises depth and engagement.
However, “Kuberaa” struggles with its pacing, particularly in the middle sections. The narrative feels protracted, and there are moments where the film becomes tiring, losing the viewer’s consistent engagement. This extended runtime dilutes the impact of the unfolding events. Furthermore, the climax, despite the preceding build-up, feels rushed and doesn’t land with the emotional punch or narrative satisfaction it should have, leaving a sense of unfulfilled potential.
The Criminal Storyline
The story of Kubera moves around the life of a slum-dweller named Kubera (played by Dhanush), who steer a world filled with destitution, inequality, and endemic corruption. Orphaned at a young age, Kubera grows older in the undercarriage of society, witnessing immediately the brutal disparity between the rich and the poor. In spite of his submissive beginnings, Kubera possesses a brilliant mind and a steady moral compass. His journey from a small-time loan collector to someone who challenges the financial aristocracy forms the crux of the film.
As Nandan’s empire grows, so do his enemies and moral dilemmas. The story unfolds through a dual narrative—his meteoric rise and the shadows that haunt him from his past. Jim Sarbh appears as Raghav Seth, a manipulative corporate tycoon with global connections who challenges Nandan’s grip over the underworld, bringing an international dimension to the otherwise Indian-rooted story.
The Best Part
There’s both grandeur and grime, perfectly suiting the film’s themes of power, greed, and redemption. The film’s background score is equally impressive, subtly enhancing tension without overwhelming the narrative. At several key moments, it elevates already intense scenes to unforgettable heights.
The movie starts with an overhead shot of a sprawling city, where corruption runs bottomless, and powerful images control the streets. Kubera, a high-ranked business tycoon, is introduced as a successful, confidential and fascinating individual. However, his appearance is a camouflage of the darkness lurking within him. The initial moments set up Kubera’s connection to both the business world and criminal association, hints that his rise to power has been anything but admissible. He lives in a world where aspiration knows no limits, and alliances are made and broken for its survival.Â
The Characters
Dhanush and Nagarjuna Gaaru once again proves why they are among India’s most versatile and fearless actors. Jim Sarbh, as the film’s antagonist, is utterly hypnotic. His charismatic menace and sharp delivery turn every scene into a battle of wits and will. He’s not just a villain, but a fully realized character with motivations beyond the typical evil-for-evil’s-sake trope.Â
The supporting cast, including Nagarjuna and Rashmika Mandanna, also delivers strong performances, adding to the film’s overall quality.
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The Conclusion
The final scene, frequently regarded as symbolic, shows Deva striding away from the corrupt world, implying that while systems remain dysfunctional, the individual can still choose dignity over subjugation.
The finale makes you think instead of cheering. There is no commercial payoff–no revenge, no heroic punchline, and no “happily ever after.” Instead, it reflects actual life: Bittersweet, unresolved, and authentic, could be good choices for the audience of thriller stories.
IMDb rating – 7.4/10
Written by Nilesh Shiv