Kuberaa: How Dhanush Trusting the Director Led to Him Begging on the Streets of Tirupati!

In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian cinema, few actors have managed to reinvent themselves as consistently and convincingly as Dhanush. With a career that spans over two decades and includes national awards, pan-India appeal, and even a foray into Hollywood, Dhanush has never shied away from roles that challenge the norms or push his boundaries. However, his upcoming film Kuberaa has taken that commitment to realism to a whole new level—one that saw the actor, quite literally, begging on the streets of Tirupati.

The Film: Kuberaa

Kuberaa is an ambitious socio-political thriller helmed by director Sekhar Kammula, known for his sensitive, issue-based storytelling in films like Anand, Leader, and Love Story. The movie pairs Dhanush with rising South Indian star Rashmika Mandanna and is reportedly rooted in themes of inequality, identity, and inner transformation.

The title Kuberaa, derived from the name of the Hindu god of wealth, hints at a paradox. While one might expect opulence, grandeur, or power, the story instead begins at the absolute rock bottom among the destitute and discarded. That’s where the actor’s intense method acting took him: to the dusty, crowded streets of Tirupati, barefoot and in rags, completely unrecognizable, as he portrayed a beggar.

The Director’s Vision

Sekhar Kammula is no stranger to grounding his films in social realism. But with Kuberaa, he sought to go further. He wanted authenticity, not just performance. According to insiders, when he approached Dhanush with the script, he made a bold request: to not simulate the role of a beggar on a film set, but to live it for a brief yet powerful moment.

Dhanush didn’t flinch. He trusted the director’s vision. No makeup trailers, no private security, and no camera crew following him like a celebrity. For a few hours, he was just another figure sitting on a pavement, hand outstretched, head bowed—begging for coins from passers-by who had no idea they were walking past a national award-winning actor.

Dhanush’s Transformation

Physically, Dhanush’s transformation was startling. Photos and videos that later leaked online showed him in tattered clothes, with dusty, unwashed hair, a sunburnt face, and hollowed eyes. There was no trace of the polished star people had seen in films like Raanjhanaa or Atrangi Re. Emotionally, the transformation was even deeper.

In a behind-the-scenes interview that surfaced shortly after the shoot, Dhanush admitted: “When I was sitting on that pavement, watching people walk by without even acknowledging my presence, I felt invisible. It wasn’t acting. It was living someone’s daily reality, and it was heartbreaking.”

It wasn’t a planned media stunt either. The team kept the shooting discreet, choosing early morning hours and real locations near the Tirumala hills. A few observant devotees noticed the actor’s resemblance but brushed it off as a coincidence. Only later, when pictures went viral, did the truth come out.

Why Beg on the Streets?

To many, this might seem extreme. After all, actors are trained to emote. They can simulate struggle, poverty, and desperation. But Sekhar Kammula’s goal was not just a performance. He wanted Dhanush to absorb the psychological weight of the character—someone who has lost everything, who is stripped of identity and dignity, and who is ignored by society.

Kammula reportedly told Dhanush during prep: “Kuberaa isn’t about poverty. It’s about how society values or discards people based on appearance and wealth. I don’t want you to act like a beggar. I want you to feel like one.”

The actor agreed, even though it meant stepping far outside his comfort zone. This wasn’t a controlled film set—it was the real world, with real people, real heat, and real rejection.

The Online Reaction

As soon as the pictures and video clips began circulating, social media erupted. Fans were stunned to see Dhanush in such a vulnerable position. While many applauded his dedication, others speculated whether it was necessary or just a calculated publicity gimmick.

However, those familiar with both Dhanush’s and Kammula’s filmographies came to their defense. Both have consistently demonstrated integrity and depth in their work. The decision to shoot in real locations was not about virality—it was about respect for the character and the story.

Rashmika Mandanna, who plays a significant role in the film, posted on X (formerly Twitter): “What you see is just the beginning. What Dhanush sir has done for Kuberaa is beyond words. I feel blessed to be part of this film.”

Realism vs Glamour: A Debate

Dhanush’s choice to beg on the streets of Tirupati reopens the long-standing debate in Indian cinema: should actors go to such extremes to portray realism, or can the essence of a character be captured through skilled performance and good direction?

Veterans like Kamal Haasan and Irrfan Khan have, in the past, adopted similar immersive techniques. Kamal once lived in a slum for a week while preparing for Nayagan. Nawazuddin Siddiqui has done similar work for Gangs of Wasseypur. In that tradition, Dhanush’s act for Kuberaa is not new, but it does reinforce his commitment to the craft.

The Bigger Picture

More than a cinematic moment, the episode serves as a commentary on how society interacts with poverty. Dhanush’s brief stint as a beggar offered him a sobering view of indifference. In interviews, he shared that some people ignored him entirely, others scolded him, and a few offered food or coins, not knowing they were helping a millionaire actor preparing for a role.

The irony of a man portraying the god of wealth (Kubera) starting his journey in absolute destitution offers rich thematic material. It’s symbolic, raw, and emotionally resonant—and that’s exactly what Sekhar Kammula wants the audience to feel when they watch the film.

What Lies Ahead

With Kuberaa scheduled for release in late 2025, the expectations are sky-high. The film promises to be more than just another commercial outing. It seeks to blur the line between reel and real, storytelling and lived experience.

The Tirupati begging scene, though just one part of the film, has already stirred public discourse. Whether the film lives up to the weight of this moment remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Dhanush’s journey into the world of Kuberaa is one of the most immersive and daring choices an Indian actor has made in recent times.

Final Thoughts

Trusting a director’s vision can be risky. It can lead an actor into unknown emotional and physical spaces. But when done with sincerity and purpose, it also has the power to create cinema that resonates beyond screens. Dhanush’s journey from stardom to the streets of Tirupati is not just about a scene—it’s about honoring a story and stepping into the skin of the voiceless, even just for a few hours.

And if that brief moment of humility and humanity finds its way to the hearts of audiences, Kuberaa might just become one of the year’s most unforgettable films.