June 25, 2025 – Hyderabad, India – The bilingual crime drama Kuberaa, directed by Sekhar Kammula and starring Dhanush, Nagarjuna Akkineni, and Rashmika Mandanna, has stormed the global box office, amassing approximately $12 million (₹100 crore) in just five days since its release on June 20, 2025. The film, celebrated for its gripping narrative and stellar performances, is now poised to chase another $12 million milestone, solidifying Dhanush’s growing stature as a pan-Indian cinematic powerhouse.
A Blockbuster Opening Weekend
Kuberaa opened to widespread acclaim, raking in $1.8 million (₹14.75 crore) on its first day in India alone, with the Telugu version leading the charge at $1.2 million (₹10 crore) and the Tamil version contributing $550,000 (₹4.5 crore). The film’s momentum grew over the weekend, with collections climbing to $2 million (₹16.5 crore) on Saturday and $2.1 million (₹17.35 crore) on Sunday, driven by strong word-of-mouth and high occupancy rates, particularly in Telugu and Tamil-speaking regions. By the end of its third day, the film had grossed $9.1 million (₹75 crore) worldwide, with $6.4 million (₹53.25 crore) from India and $2.6 million (₹21.75 crore) from international markets, including a robust $1.77 million from North America.
Crossing the $12 Million Mark
By its fifth day, Kuberaa officially entered the coveted $12 million club globally, a feat celebrated by fans and industry trackers alike. Social media posts on X hailed the achievement, with some claiming it as Dhanush’s fifth film to reach this milestone and the first for both Nagarjuna and director Sekhar Kammula. Despite a dip in weekday earnings—$800,000 (₹6.5 crore) on Monday and $640,000 (₹5.31 crore) on Tuesday—the film’s total domestic nett collection stood at $7.3 million (₹60.71 crore) by day six, with the Telugu version outperforming the Tamil release.
Challenges and Regional Dynamics
While Kuberaa has resonated strongly in Telugu-speaking states, contributing nearly 70% of its domestic haul, its performance in Tamil Nadu has been comparatively underwhelming, with only $1.7 million (₹14 crore) collected in the region. Industry observers note that the Tamil version’s struggle could pose challenges to sustaining long-term momentum. Despite this, the film’s international appeal, particularly among diaspora audiences in North America, has bolstered its global figures, with the movie nearing its $1.8 million breakeven point in the U.S. and Canada.
A Star-Studded Success
Directed by Sekhar Kammula, known for his nuanced storytelling, Kuberaa marks his bold foray into a darker, mass-oriented narrative. Dhanush’s portrayal of a beggar mentored by Nagarjuna’s character has earned widespread praise, with industry veteran Chiranjeevi lauding him as the “one and only” actor suited for the role at a recent success meet in Hyderabad. Rashmika Mandanna’s performance has also garnered significant acclaim, adding to the film’s star power alongside Jim Sarbh and Dalip Tahil. The film’s sharp screenplay, Devi Sri Prasad’s music, and Niketh Bommireddy’s cinematography have further elevated its appeal.
The Road Ahead
With a reported budget of $14.5 million (₹120 crore), Kuberaa needs to maintain steady weekday collections to achieve profitability. While it has already recovered half its cost, trade experts suggest it requires a total gross of $14.5–18 million (₹120–150 crore) to be deemed a financial success. The film’s ability to hold its ground against competing releases, such as Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par, will be critical as it enters its second weekend.
A Milestone for Dhanush
Kuberaa’s rapid ascent to $12 million underscores Dhanush’s growing box office clout, following the success of his 2024 action thriller Raayan, which posted similar figures. Fans on X are optimistic, predicting the film could hit $24 million (₹200 crore) if positive word-of-mouth persists, potentially outpacing Dhanush’s previous records.As Kuberaa continues its theatrical run, its blend of emotional depth, action, and social commentary positions it as one of 2025’s standout releases, with global audiences eagerly watching its next move.
