Sekhar Kammula’s Kubera is an ambitious film that swings for the fences with a promising plot and Dhanush’s towering performance, but it stumbles mainly because of the runtime. The film manages to deliver as a family entertainer, but falls short of being a slick power-packed thriller.
Dhanush, as expected, is the heartbeat of Kubera. His portrayal of a beggar is nothing short of extraordinary, reaffirming that he is a ‘Nadippu Asuran’ (the acting demon).
Be it his introduction scene or the scene at the Gateway of India, where he begs with raw intensity, is charming, goosebumps-inducing and worth it. Dhanush’s audacity to dive into any role and emerge shining is on full display.
Nagarjuna’s performance is convincing but generic with limited scope for acting. Jim Sarbh on the other hand has his moments but doesn’t come across as the menacing villain he ought to be.
The film’s core strength lies in its intriguing premise between the haves and have-nots. There’s ample conflict for the director to play around and set the stage for satisfying character arcs. The screenplay, for the most part, keeps you hooked with its engaging twists and turns. But again, it is the same screenplay that wears out thin as the film progresses.
At a bloated three-hour runtime, the film tests the audience’s patience, with a screenplay that could’ve been tighter. Just when you think the plot is wrapping up, it stretches needlessly, diluting the impact of what could’ve been a taut thriller. The cat-and-mouse dynamic, while intriguing, lacks the pace and believability to fully grip viewers.
Emotional disconnect is another sore point—character deaths fail to resonate, and a misplaced death song feels jarring. Sunaina’s role, unfortunately, seems pointless, adding little to the narrative. The climax, rushed and underwhelming, leaves you wanting more resolution.
In the end, Kubera is a mixed bag—a film with a solid foundation, elevated by Dhanush’s brilliance and engaging moments, but bogged down by its length and uneven execution. Trimmed by 30 minutes and with a sharper focus, it could’ve been a knockout. As it stands, it’s a good watch for Dhanush fans but it falls short of being a classic.
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