Kuberaa (2025) — Telugu Crime

In the bustling streets of Mumbai, Deva (Dhanush), a beggar with a mysterious past, becomes entangled in a high-stakes financial scheme orchestrated by Neeraj Mitra (Jim Sarbh), a businessman intent on exploiting a newly discovered oil reserve in the Bay of Bengal. To legitimize his illicit wealth, Neeraj enlists Deepak Tej (Nagarjuna Akkineni), a former CBI officer imprisoned for his integrity, to create a network of shell companies using beggars as fronts. Deva, along with others like Khelu, Dibya, and Kushboo, is recruited for this covert operation, unaware of the perilous path ahead. As Deva's involvement deepens, he uncovers the sinister intentions behind the scheme, realizing that he and his fellow beggars are mere pawns in a dangerous game of greed and power. The film delves into themes of ambition, moral compromise, and the human cost of wealth, set against the backdrop of Mumbai's underbelly and the desolate oil rigs. Director Sekhar Kammula crafts a brooding, thought-provoking social drama that challenges the traditional 'ant-versus-elephant' narrative, focusing on those caught in the middle of societal hierarchies. Released on June 20, 2025, "Kuberaa" received mixed-to-positive reviews, with critics praising its concept and Dhanush's performance, while noting its lengthy runtime and pacing issues. The film grossed approximately ₹115–132 crore worldwide, achieving commercial success in the Telugu market but underperforming in Tamil regions. "Kuberaa" appeals to viewers interested in crime thrillers that explore the complexities of human ambition and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals entangled in corrupt systems.