On June 18, 2025, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) cleared Sekhar Kammula’s Kuberaa, starring Dhanush, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Rashmika Mandanna, and Jim Sarbh, with a U/A certificate for its June 20 release. However, the board mandated 19 scene cuts, trimming 13 minutes and 41 seconds from the original 195-minute runtime, reducing it to 181 minutes in Telugu and 182 minutes in Tamil. The edits, detailed by Andhra Box Office, have sparked curiosity among fans.
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Significant CBFC Cuts
Kuberaa, a social thriller exploring wealth, power, and morality, underwent heavy scrutiny due to its satirical take on black money and societal issues. The CBFC removed 19 visuals, including a notable cab scene featuring key characters Deva (Dhanush), Sameera (Rashmika), and Deepak (Nagarjuna). Other cuts involved dialogue and sequences with the principal cast, including Jim Sarbh’s Neeraj, though specific reasons remain undisclosed.
Impact on Kuberaa’s Release
The cuts followed an initial certification of a 195-minute version, which raised concerns about audience engagement. Producer Suniel Narang clarified that early submission avoided last-minute delays, with the team voluntarily trimming the film to 181 minutes for a “theater-friendly” experience. Despite the edits, Kuberaa retains its U/A rating, suitable for viewers above 13 with parental guidance. The film, shot in Tamil and Telugu and dubbed in Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam, has strong advance bookings, selling over 2,000 tickets for $36,200, per sources. However, Amazon Prime Video, which secured streaming rights, reportedly pressured producers to meet the June 20 deadline, threatening a ₹10 crore deduction for delays.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
The trailer, showcasing Dhanush as a beggar challenging the system, Nagarjuna as a morally complex antagonist, and Rashmika in an emotionally intense role, has heightened anticipation. Sekhar Kammula praised Rashmika’s “shocking” performance, while Dhanush called the film, shot in gritty settings like dumpyards, “very special”.
The CBFC’s 19 cuts to Kuberaa have stirred intrigue, with fans eager to see if the trimmed 181-minute version retains its socio-dramatic punch. As Dhanush’s Telugu debut and Kammula’s bold pan-India venture, Kuberaa promises a gripping tale of greed and survival. Catch it in theaters on June 20, 2025.
By – Manoj