Directed by Sekhar Kammula, Kubera is a gripping crime drama that dives into the dark world of black money, class divide, and moral choices. The story centers on Deva (Dhanush), a street beggar with an exceptional memory, who unexpectedly finds himself caught in a high-stakes financial conspiracy. Nagarjuna plays a once-sincere CBI officer now questioning his own ethics, while Rashmika Mandanna and Jim Sarbh add depth to the unfolding chaos. With strong performances, sharp visuals, and a story that hits close to home, Kubera blends drama with a harsh look at social realities. It doesn’t just entertain — it reflects.
And as the film moves through power games and ethical grey zones, one question keeps resurfacing: is this just a well-crafted story, or could it be rooted in real-life events?
With Kubera drawing buzz for its gritty realism and layered narrative, one question keeps popping up—is it based on a true story? The answer isn’t straightforward, but it’s definitely intriguing.
In a promotional interview, Nagarjuna hinted that his role is “based on a real person” and that the film includes “many amazing incidents” from real life. That statement alone turned heads. Many started to speculate if the movie mirrors the journey of a known underworld figure or a financial scamster operating in India’s shadows.
But while Kubera is deeply inspired by reality, it’s not a direct retelling of any specific individual’s life. The film uses a fictional plot to explore very real issues—wealth disparity, systemic corruption, and the blurred lines between crime and politics. It’s this mix of plausibility and mystery that has kept audiences hooked.
So, is Kubera a true story? Not exactly. But it’s definitely rooted in truth—just not the kind that comes with names, dates, or official records.
Beyond the crime drama and suspense, Kubera pulses with themes that feel eerily familiar—like stories you’ve heard before but couldn’t quite place. At its heart, the film dives deep into economic inequality, corruption, and the twisted bargains people make in the pursuit of power or survival.
There’s no direct mention of any real-life scam or figure, but the story taps into the essence of several high-profile cases we’ve all come across—from black money scandals to corporate frauds and political misuse of wealth.
Director Sekhar Kammula isn’t interested in recreating headlines. Instead, he builds a fictional world where a beggar’s simplicity clashes with a billionaire’s greed, creating a landscape that feels both imagined and disturbingly real.
The characters aren’t just tools to move the plot—they represent the many shades of a society quietly unraveling. From the street corners to the corridors of power, Kubera brings every layer to life with grounded emotion and quiet intensity.
It may not be a true story—but it certainly reflects the truths we live with every day.
In Kubera, the characters might be fictional, but they feel like people we already know.
● Deva (Dhanush) isn’t just a beggar—he’s a symbol of the ignored and invisible, someone who rises from rock bottom with nothing but resilience.
● Deepak (Nagarjuna) plays a CBI officer who uncovers layers of corruption and must decide how far he’s willing to go for justice. He represents the conflicted conscience of an honest man in a crooked world.
● Sameera (Rashmika Mandanna) begins as someone disconnected from the chaos. But as her path crosses with Deva’s, she transforms, slowly peeling away her privilege to confront the truth.
Each character stands for something larger than themselves—whether it’s inequality, disillusionment, or the power of empathy. Their stories may be written for the screen, but their emotions, choices, and struggles feel grounded in the world around us.
While the film leaves room for speculation on its real-life parallels, it firmly grips viewers with its intense storytelling. Kubera is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada.