Kubera, a bilingual film directed by Sekhar Kammula, brings together powerhouse talents like Dhanush, Nagarjuna, Rashmika Mandanna, and Jim Sarbh. While the film attempts to blend emotion with social commentary, its slow-paced narration and stretched runtime may test the patience of some viewers.

Dhanush Elevates the Film with His Performance

One of the strongest aspects of Kubera is Dhanush’s performance. Although his dubbing may sound unfamiliar at first, his portrayal eventually grows on you. His innocent body language and deeply immersive characterisation add significant depth to the story. Dhanush literally carries the film on his shoulders, making it a must-watch for his fans.

Strong Supporting Cast: Nagarjuna and Rashmika Deliver

• Nagarjuna Akkineni delivers an impressive performance, returning to form after a considerable break.

• Rashmika Mandanna, though underutilised, adds glamour and some emotional nuance. Her role lacks depth, but she performs it well.

• Jim Sarbh is aptly cast as the antagonist, bringing an understated menace to the screen.

Direction & Screenplay: Sekhar Kammula Steps Out of His Comfort Zone

Sekhar Kammula, known for his emotional storytelling, attempts something more ambitious in Kubera. While the intent and sincerity are evident, the execution falters due to an overextended runtime (3 hours 15 minutes) and inconsistent pacing.

• The first 40 minutes are used to establish the characters, but it takes too long to get to the core conflict.

• The screenplay feels predictable, with repetitive scenes, especially in the second half.

• Editing could have been tighter to maintain audience engagement.

Music & Technical Aspects: A Soulful Score by DSP

Devi Sri Prasad (DSP) delivers a soulful background score that elevates emotional scenes. The music carries hints of Uppena-style instrumentation, which adds a nostalgic touch. The cinematography captures the mood well, although some locations feel overused.

Final Verdict: Worth Watching for Performances, Not Pacing

Kubera is an emotionally driven drama that may appeal more to Telugu audiences, thanks to its heartfelt moments and performances. However, its simple story stretched over a long runtime might not resonate as strongly with Tamil audiences.

Chusipo.com Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.25/5)

Pros:

• Brilliant performance by Dhanush

• Emotional depth and strong dialogues

• Soulful music by DSP

Cons:

• Slow and inconsistent narration

• Overextended runtime

• Predictable screenplay

Trailer