Kuberaa, the much-awaited film starring Dhanush and directed by Shekhar Kammula, is certainly creating a lot of buzz amongst moviegoers. While the hype was mostly around Dhanush and his character the comments around veteran Tollywood actor Nagarjuna stole all the spot and everyone was surprised how powerful and offbeat his portrayal was.
In this gritty crime thriller, Nagarjuna plays Deepak, a steely and obstinate CBI officer. This character marks a departure from his usual romantic lead — a risk that has proved to be very rewarding. Exiting rom-com hero mode to play a faintly-glam character has not only shocked viewers, it has also garnered a lot of praise for his willingness to take risks.
Critics and audiences alike are lauding Nagarjuna for his understated yet intense performance. His Deepak is infused with emotional richness, and his skill in conveying difficult emotions with few words is being touted as one of the film’s best qualities. Many feel this is not only a performance, but a total immersion into the character.
Director Shekhar Kammula, known primarily for his realistic and emotionally fulfilling tales, forayed into the crime drama genre for the first time with Kuberaa. Nagarjuna was fully onboard with the initiative, not just in agreeing to play a difficult role but by being involved on the ground by participating in the Telugu pre-release campaign for the film. His support is considered crucial in providing the project with a stronger footprint.
Social media is humming with praise for the veteran actor. Fans and critics are proclaiming it a great comeback and one of his best performances over the last few years. There’s a lot of discussion going on about how Nagarjuna decided to accept such a nuanced role — and how well he’s done it.
Through Kuberaa, Nagarjuna has shown once again why he is one of Indian cinema’s most versatile and enduring actors. His portrayal does not only provide heft for the film, but also reflects an actor’s willingness to grow, stretch and not do the expected.