'Kuberaa' box-office report: Dhanush's 2nd Telugu film struggles at box-office despite stellar reviews

Brimming with expectations and supported by a star-studded cast including Dhanush, Nagarjuna, and Rashmika Mandanna, Kuberaa was hailed as one of the most anticipated cinematic releases of the year. Audiences and critics alike offered a warm reception to the film, praising its storytelling and particularly applauding Dhanush’s performance in an unconventional role as a destitute man. Yet, despite its critical appreciation, the movie’s commercial performance did not reflect that enthusiasm at the box office.

Opening Collections Fall Short of Expectations

According to data reported by Sacnilk, a popular platform known for tracking movie earnings, Kuberaa generated close to Rs 13 crore in revenue over its first two days in theatres. Specifically, the film raked in ₹12.98 crore on its debut day. While not a disastrous opening, the numbers were slightly below par when compared to Dhanush’s previous theatrical venture, Raayan, which had achieved a more robust ₹15.7 crore on day one. This comparison has sparked discussions among trade analysts, given that Kuberaa had the advantage of a strong cast and simultaneous Telugu-Tamil release.

About the Film: A Crime Saga Rooted in South India

Kuberaa is a 2025 Indian crime thriller helmed by acclaimed director Sekhar Kammula. The screenplay was crafted by Kammula in collaboration with Chaithanya Pingali. Jointly backed by production houses Sree Venkateswara Cinemas LLP and Amigos Creations, the movie was simultaneously shot in both Telugu and Tamil, aiming to cater to a wider audience across South India.

The ensemble cast features some of the most prominent names in Indian cinema. Dhanush takes on the role of Deva, a simple-minded and impoverished man from the temple town of Tirupati. His life takes a dramatic turn when he gets entangled in a dangerous web of deceit and power. He must outsmart Deepak Tej, a former Central Bureau of Investigation officer whose moral compass has long been shattered. The supporting cast includes Nagarjuna in a pivotal role, Rashmika Mandanna, Jim Sarbh, and veteran actor Dalip Tahil.

Critical Acclaim but Lukewarm Box Office Momentum

Although Kuberaa has been appreciated for its performances, layered narrative, and grounded realism, its initial earnings suggest that the movie might face an uphill climb to become a commercial success. With word-of-mouth and weekend numbers being critical in determining a film’s trajectory, all eyes are now on how the crime drama performs in the coming days. Whether the film manages to pick up pace or fizzles out remains to be seen.