'Kuberaa' movie review: Slick performances in preachy entertainer

Middle-class characters take on corrupt officials and greedy tycoons and emerge victorious — this is the plot of most Telugu movies out there. Sekhar Kammula’s ‘Kuberaa’ isn’t any different. But to its credit, it doesn’t pander to the elitist saviour complex. It believes in the philosophy that the underprivileged, if given an opportunity, can successfully fight for their rights. ‘Kuberaa’ is about a man without any education or means defeating a corrupt business group. 

CBI officer Deepak (Nagarjuna) is caught at his weakest moment and forced to do a businessman’s dirty work. He is appointed by Neeraj (Jim Sarbh) to convert his truckload of black money into white. Deepak comes up with a plan to get four beggars as benamis. One of them is the protagonist Devaa (Dhanush). He is found on the lanes of Tirupati. Ironically, Neeraj’s father vows to get a diamond crown made for the deity in Tirupati if his son succeeds in his venture in the oil business.

Devaa, although poor and homeless, is sharp and quick-witted. He soon finds out how he and his companions are being exploited. 

‘Kuberaa’ tries to make a commentary about the lives of beggars who are often ignored and brushed aside. It also explores the beliefs of the community — for example, they believe that if they are not cremated properly, they will be born as beggars in their next life as well. 

Dhanush’s silly, innocent questions make the audience let out a giggle or two. However, this is not his best performance. It is Jim Sarbh, with his posh Telugu, playing the unapologetic stone-hearted villain, who emerges as the showstopper. 

As Devaa’s love interest Sameera, Rashmika Mandanna provides the much needed comic relief. Her performances are getting better with each film. However, her character is poorly written. 

‘Kuberaa’ is compelling, despite its clichés and preachy monologues. But as a whole, it fails to move you.