‘Kubera’ Opens Strong: Dhanush-Nagarjuna Thriller Rakes in ₹13 Crore on Day 1

Telugu thriller ‘Kuberaa’, featuring Dhanush and Nagarjuna in lead roles, made a powerful start at the box office, earning ₹13 crore on its opening day. With high anticipation around its unique storyline and the star-studded cast, the film dominated Telugu markets and set a promising tone for its first weekend. The opening figures indicate strong audience turnout, particularly in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and several Tier 2 cities.

A Mass Appeal Backed by Star Power

Directed by Sekhar Kammula, Kuberaa brings together two South Indian powerhouses — Dhanush, known for his intense performances, and Nagarjuna, loved for his screen charisma. The combination of their distinct styles has resonated well with both younger audiences and family viewers.

The film was released in multiple languages, but the Telugu version led in collections, especially in cities like Vijayawada, Guntur, Warangal, and Rajahmundry.

Box Office Performance

With ₹13 crore grossed on Day 1, Kuberaa ranks among the stronger openings of 2025 for a South Indian film not part of an existing franchise. According to trade analysts, advance bookings and positive word-of-mouth have played a key role in the numbers.

The film also performed well in urban pockets like Hyderabad and Chennai, but its momentum in Tier 2 cities across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh added significantly to the overall figure.

What’s Working for Kuberaa

1. Strong Lead Performances: Both actors bring depth to their roles, drawing in fans of different age groups.
2. Gripping Plot: The thriller narrative with socio-political undertones has clicked with audiences looking for layered storytelling.
3. Music and Cinematography: The score and visual presentation add intensity to the plot, creating an immersive theatre experience.
4. Strategic Marketing: Targeted promotions, especially in non-metro regions, helped draw early crowds.

Audience Response So Far

Initial reviews and viewer reactions have been mostly positive, with praise for the performances and direction. Many viewers, especially in non-metro towns like Tirupati, Kurnool, and Nellore, shared that the film felt more grounded and relevant than typical big-budget entertainers.

Some criticism has been directed at the pacing in the second half, but it hasn’t impacted footfall yet.

Conclusion

Kuberaa’s solid day-one earnings reflect the strength of regional cinema and the growing appetite for content-driven thrillers. Its appeal beyond metros and into Tier 2 cities showcases the evolving taste of Indian moviegoers. If the weekend sustains the current momentum, Kuberaa could emerge as one of the year’s biggest non-franchise hits in Telugu cinema.