Sekhar Kammula’s upcoming social thriller Kuberaa, starring Dhanush, Nagarjuna, and Rashmika Mandanna, is set to hit the theatres on June 20. Produced by Sunil Narang and Puskur Ram Mohan Rao under SVC LLP banner in association with Amigos Creations, the film is mounted on a high budget, taking a diversion from Sekhar’s modestly budgeted rom coms. The film is also gearing up to release in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada and Malayalam.
“It was a great pleasure to tell a story like Kuberaa. I have never seen a film like this before,” says Sekhar Kammula, “It will definitely give the audience a different experience.” He explains that the seed of the film came from an image in contrast, “A billionaire who wants everything, and a beggar who claims to want nothing. That conflict itself felt rich. It slowly evolved into an emotional thriller.” Kammula insists it is not an ideological battle but rather a story that allows viewers to become aware of the gulf between two vastly different worlds. “There are so many stories being told today, but I felt a story like this should be told,” he says. Kammula confirms that Kuberaa was shot in both Telugu and Tamil with separate takes for lip sync. “Technically, it was like making two films. That’s why it took time,” he says. The film is not intended as a statement but more of a mirror. He adds, “This is not about ideology. But when you see the film, you realise these two worlds exist, side by side.”
On his casting choices, he says, “No one can do this role except Dhanush. The audience will also say the same thing after watching the film. He lives inside the character and performs in a single take.” About Nagarjuna, he says, “It’s always great when he plays characters with shades. He’s a perfect fit here. There’s a wow factor when he’s on screen.” He adds that Rashmika Mandanna too has surprised everyone. “She is an actor who can perform at a much higher level when given the space.” Asked about whether Kuberaa will carry his trademark, he responds with a certain honesty. “Indeed, there’s an impression around my name, but I’ve never made films to leave a mark. I simply do what the story demands,” he says and adds, “Leader was an honest story, and I didn’t add a love angle to suit expectations. Happy Days was a college story, and I treated it like one. The same applies to Kuberaa. The audience will find that wow factor when they watch it.” Kammula also singles out actor Jim Sarbh, who plays a role in the film. “He surprised me. No matter how long the dialogue, he would deliver it perfectly. After this, I’m sure he’ll have more opportunities here,” he states.
Shooting in Mumbai, he admits, brought its own challenges. He recalls, “It was very difficult. Permissions are hard to get, and there are too many restrictions. Many filmmakers are avoiding the city for that reason. But this story needed a Mumbai backdrop. It was essential.” As he looks back on 25 years in the industry, Kammula speaks with quiet emotion. “I made my first film from a small house. Now, I’ve made something on this scale. The love and trust the audience has shown me over the years makes me emotional.” He confirms there will be no sequel to Kuberaa. “It ends here,” he says, laughing. As for a sequel to Leader, he says the story is clear to him, but the world has changed. “People have changed. Thinking has changed. I’ll only do it if I can grasp those shifts properly.” He also admits to planning a film with Nani, though he adds, “It’ll take time. There’s still work to do.”
