Kuberaa Faces the Censor Board Blade
Kuberaa isn’t even out yet, but it’s causing quite a stir—and not just because of its star-studded cast or the dark new direction for director Sekhar Kammula. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has chopped 19 scenes from the film, slashing its runtime by over 13 minutes. The edits hit several of the movie’s top-billed stars—Dhanush, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Rashmika Mandanna, and Jim Sarbh—in pivotal moments. Originally clocking in at around 195 minutes, Kuberaa now runs for 181 minutes (Telugu version), with the Tamil version just a minute longer. That’s a major trim, especially for a film this hyped.
The cuts include a cab sequence and multiple high-tension scenes featuring major characters. While the CBFC hasn’t spelled out exact reasons, it’s clear the board wanted some of the grittier or more intense content toned down, leading to the current UA (13+) certification. If you’re hoping for a gentle drama, think again. Early talk is that Kuberaa ditches Kammula’s usual mellow style for a rougher, more adrenaline-pumping pace. This isn’t your average feel-good Telugu film.
Tension Builds Ahead of Pan-India Release
What’s fascinating is how the buzz hasn’t been quieted by the censorship. If anything, people seem even more curious. The trailer hints at a tightly wound, edge-of-your-seat thriller, and in Hyderabad, theaters are already banking on high demand. Dynamic pricing is in effect for tickets, a sign everyone’s hoping for a box office surge when Kuberaa hits screens on June 20.
For Sekhar Kammula, this film marks a huge shift. He’s known for heartfelt stories with soft touches, but Kuberaa plunges into crime and suspense. Dhanush plays Deva, and he shares center stage with Rashmika Mandanna's Sameera, Nagarjuna’s Deepak, and Jim Sarbh’s Neeraj—each character rumored to be tangled in dark secrets and tense showdowns. Stripped-down and recalibrated for a broader audience, Kuberaa is releasing in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi, making its mark as a rare pan-Indian film for Kammula. That strategic move shows he’s betting big on a nationwide audience ready for something more daring.
For fans, the big question lingers: Did those 19 cuts dull the edge, or just make what remains even sharper? Either way, Kuberaa is shaping up to be one of the most discussed releases of 2025.
