Dhanush, Nagarjuna's 'Kuberaa' Movie Review: Perfectly imperfect, but engaging, engrossing and entertaining

Star cast: Dhanush, Nagarjuna, Rashmika Mandanna, Jim Sarbh and Dalip Tahil

Director: Sekhar Kammula

If a film deserves true appreciation this week, it is Dhanush, Nagarjuna, and Rashmika Mandanna’s Kuberaa film. Not just because of the fantastic star cast and performances, but because of an extremely immersive and engaging story. Kuberaa was a delightful surprise, especially when you have another superstar movie releasing on the same day.

I went to watch this film with absolutely zero expectation but came back with my heart full, especially on a day when you have to watch and write about two movies simultaneously. I was totally exhausted, or that would be an understatement. I was totally drained. But I came back rejuvenated. Such an intense, engrossing topic, which we hardly see filmmakers touching upon the painful life of the beggars— will keep you glued to the screen. And why not? When National Award-winning actor Dhanush and acclaimed filmmaker Sekhar Kammula make a movie, you are bound to get a masterpiece. But the hero of the film, along with Dhanush, is the bold narrative, and the two put together have birthed a film like Kuberaa.

The movie throws light on how rich businessmen, bureaucrats, and ministers exploit those living below the poverty line because they know they are illiterate and will not be able to fight back. We all talk about the rich beggars on the streets and that begging is an easy source of income, but have we ever thought that this isn’t the life that they have chosen; rather, they have been forced into this painful life? Otherwise, why would anybody choose a life where there is absolutely no dignity? The movie shouts out the clear class divide in one of the richest cities in the world, Mumbai. On one side there are the beggars, and on the other side there are the richie rich people, just like on one side you have the huge high-rises, and on the other side you have the piles of garbage dumps.

The effortlessly brilliant and compelling performance of Dhanush who plays the role of a beggar, Deva will break your heart. All they want in life to survive is some food. We need to admit that Dhanush is the central character or rather the soul of Kuberaa and it’s not Nagarjuna or Rashmika Mandanna. His simplicity, his dialogue delivery, his expressions and his movements -the way he sits, eats or even talks will break your heart.

There is an honesty in his performance that makes Dhanush such a master craftsman. He is the good man in the movie and the central character. By watching his performance that has so much depth and those eyes full of illusion, I am sure you will not be able to stop your tears.

 On the other hand, Nagarjuna’s character as Deepak is layered. He is an honest CBI officer who had been jailed for no fault of his. He is set free by an equally dishonest businessman, Neeraj Mitra (Jim Sarbh). He is dishonest, cunning, ruthless, power crazy and dangerous. He is the typical cold-hearted, polished, sophisticated and well-turned out businessmen you generally get to meet in Page-3 parties of Mumbai.  Jim Sarbh gets into the role of Neeraj Mitra, a business tycoon with ease, a man you surely can’t stop hating. Deepak doesn’t realise how badly he gets trapped and is forced to do things that he dislikes.

There is never a slow moment in the film, Rashmika Mandanna adds her usual simple charm to an equally serious story. I somehow feel that Rashmika’s character could have been meatier. The only negative point of the film I felt was the second half was stretched beyond its requirement. On the whole, Kuberaa is incredibly relevant and riveting cinema.

Rating: 4 (out of 5 stars)

Kuberaa is playing in cinemas

WATCH the trailer of Dhanush, Nagarjuna, Rashmika Mandanna’s Kuberaa here: