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Sekhar Kammula's Kuberaa marks a departure from his signature intimate style, venturing into the realm of corporate power-play with a “massy” appeal. The director’s choice to tackle a story of this scale, complete with a larger canvas and promotional efforts, placed significant emphasis on how he would adapt his storytelling approach. However, the film, while addressing sophisticated themes, retains Kammula's core sensibilities. It presents everyday people with authenticity, maintains a refreshing simplicity, and respects the audience's intelligence. This is evident in the portrayal of Dhanush's character, Deva, a homeless man who enters the world of the ultra-rich. The film avoids excessive heroism, presenting Deva as meek, functionally illiterate, and ill-equipped, yet allows him to rise to the occasion without acting implausibly. The handling of Nagarjuna and Rashmika Mandanna's roles also reflects this approach. Nagarjuna plays a fixer for a corporate conglomerate, while Mandanna portrays a commoner dealing with life's struggles. The film humanizes these archetypes, drawing the viewer into their world. The choice of locations in Mumbai, the dialogues by Kammula and Chaithanya Pingali, and the overall tone of the performances contribute to the film's emotional core. While being a 'pan-Indian' project, Kuberaa carries a duality. It balances emotionally grounded moments between Deva and Sameera with a constant intent to raise the stakes, making the narrative feel uncharacteristically high-pitched for a Kammula film. The filmmaker, known for his restraint, dials up the sentimentality, a conscious choice to match the film's scale. Devi Sri Prasad's background score also marks a shift, being heavily underscored and occasionally overbearing, contrasting with the gentler approach of composers like Mickey J Meyer. Niketh Bommireddy's cinematography is serviceable, while Karthika Srinivas' editing holds the dense screenplay together. The first half of the film efficiently sets up the story, introducing Nagarjuna's character, Deva and Sameera's entry into the fray, and the world of Benami banking, business moguls, and politicians. Jim Sarbh's character anchors much of this intricate setup. In contrast, the second half meanders, searching for the perfect moment to land its final punch. While the film's concern for the marginalized is evident, some scenes feel repetitive and affect the pacing. These scenes stretch the runtime and dilute the momentum built in the first half. Despite the bloated duration, Kuberaa distinguishes itself as a unique ‘mass’ experience. It asks difficult questions of its audience and trusts them to engage with the discomfort. The film showcases a filmmaker orchestrating his cast with discernment, with actors like Dhanush delivering committed performances within their boundaries.
The strength of Kuberaa lies not only in its narrative ambition but also in its execution of character depth, a hallmark of Sekhar Kammula’s filmmaking. Dhanush's portrayal of Deva is a standout, capturing the vulnerability and eventual resilience of a man thrust into a world far removed from his own. The film avoids the common pitfall of transforming him into an overnight hero, instead depicting a gradual evolution driven by circumstance and a deep-seated sense of justice. Nagarjuna's role as the corporate fixer provides a compelling contrast, showcasing the moral compromises often made in the pursuit of power and wealth. Rashmika Mandanna's character, Sameera, adds a touch of levity and heart to the narrative, grounding the high-stakes corporate drama with her everyday struggles. The supporting cast, including Jim Sarbh as the cold-blooded Neeraj Mithra, further enriches the film's tapestry, each character contributing to the overall exploration of societal inequalities and the corrupting influence of money. The film’s success hinges on its ability to balance its “massy” elements with Kammula’s signature nuanced storytelling. While the heightened drama and sentimentality might deviate from his previous works, they serve to amplify the film’s message and broaden its appeal. The film’s setting in Mumbai adds another layer of authenticity, capturing the city’s vibrant energy and its stark contrasts between affluence and poverty. The dialogues, co-written by Kammula and Chaithanya Pingali, are sharp and insightful, reflecting the characters’ diverse backgrounds and perspectives. The film’s technical aspects, while not without their flaws, contribute to the overall immersive experience. Niketh Bommireddy’s cinematography captures the film’s visual scope, while Karthika Srinivas’ editing attempts to maintain a cohesive flow despite the dense screenplay. Devi Sri Prasad’s music, although sometimes overbearing, effectively underscores the film’s emotional beats.
Ultimately, Kuberaa is a thought-provoking film that tackles complex issues of wealth disparity, corporate greed, and the resilience of the human spirit. While it may not be a flawless masterpiece, it offers a compelling narrative with strong performances and a clear social message. The film’s ability to engage the audience on both an emotional and intellectual level is a testament to Sekhar Kammula’s vision and his commitment to crafting meaningful cinema. The film trusts its audience to grapple with the uncomfortable truths it presents, making it a rare and valuable addition to the landscape of Indian cinema. The 3.5-star rating reflects the film's strengths and weaknesses, acknowledging its ambition and execution while also pointing out areas for improvement. The criticism of the film's runtime and pacing is valid, as the second half does suffer from a lack of focus and some repetitive scenes. However, these flaws are ultimately outweighed by the film's overall impact and its willingness to tackle difficult subjects with sensitivity and intelligence. Kuberaa is a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting reflection and discussion about the world we live in. It is a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming odds, hope and humanity can prevail. The film’s success lies in its ability to entertain while also making a statement, a rare feat in today’s entertainment industry. Sekhar Kammula has once again proven his ability to create films that are both commercially viable and artistically fulfilling. The cast also deserves commendation for their performances. Nagarjuna delivers a restrained and nuanced performance as the corporate fixer, while Rashmika Mandanna brings warmth and vulnerability to her role as Sameera. Jim Sarbh is chilling as the cold-blooded Neeraj Mithra, adding another layer of complexity to the film's exploration of power and corruption. However, it is Dhanush who truly shines in Kuberaa. His portrayal of Deva is both heartbreaking and inspiring, capturing the character's transformation with authenticity and grace. Dhanush's performance is a masterclass in acting, showcasing his versatility and range as an actor. Kuberaa is a film that deserves to be seen and discussed, a testament to the power of cinema to entertain, provoke, and inspire.
Source: Kuberaa movie review: Dhanush & co. shine bright in Sekhar Kammula’s mindful ‘massy’ film