If you’re a fan of Telugu cinema looking for a light-hearted romantic comedy with a dash of family drama, Sundarakanda might just catch your eye. Released on August 27, 2025, this film marks the comeback of actor Nara Rohit in a lead role after a hiatus. Directed by newcomer Venkatesh Nimmalapudi, it explores themes of love, perfectionism, and unexpected family connections in a way that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. In this review, we’ll break down the story, performances, and more to help you decide if it’s worth your time.
Target Audience: Who Should Watch This?
Sundarakanda is aimed at the general public, especially young adults and families who enjoy feel-good rom-coms with relatable emotional moments. It’s perfect for Telugu movie buffs seeking clean humor without over-the-top slapstick. Students might appreciate the school-day flashbacks and themes of ideal love, while SEO readers searching for “Sundarakanda Telugu movie review” or “Nara Rohit comeback film” will find it optimized with honest insights. If you’re into mature handling of age-gap romances or light family entertainers, this one’s for you—but it might not appeal to those wanting high-action or intense drama.
Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)
The story revolves around Siddhu (Nara Rohit), a man in his thirties who’s a perfectionist when it comes to love. Haunted by memories of his school crush Vaishnavi (Sridevi Vijay Kumar), he rejects every marriage proposal because no one matches the five ideal qualities he remembers from her. His life takes a turn when he meets the bubbly college student Eira (Vriti Vaghani), and sparks fly. But a shocking revelation about Eira’s family throws everything into chaos, leading to a mix of comedy, emotions, and tough decisions. The film keeps things clean and focuses on how Siddhu navigates this awkward situation without resorting to cheap laughs.
Key Themes Explored
- Idealism in Love: Siddhu’s obsession with perfection highlights how past crushes can shape our expectations.
- Age-Gap Dynamics: Handled with maturity, avoiding clichés and focusing on emotional growth.
- Family Bonds: The story weaves in heartfelt moments about parents, children, and second chances.
Cast and Performances
Nara Rohit shines in his comeback role as Siddhu, looking fitter and younger than before. He brings conviction to the character, blending humor with vulnerability, especially in scenes where his perfectionism leads to funny rejections. Vriti Vaghani is adorable as Eira, delivering a natural performance with great chemistry alongside Rohit. Sridevi Vijay Kumar stands out as Vaishnavi, bringing depth and screen presence to her role as a single mother.
Supporting actors add flavor: Satya’s comic timing with punchlines steals scenes, while Naresh and Vasuki Anand provide emotional anchors. Others like Abhinav Gomatham and Sunaina fit well in their bits, making the ensemble feel lively and real.
Direction and Writing
Venkatesh Nimmalapudi, who also wrote the script, keeps the pace steady and avoids dragging moments. He opts for organic comedy rooted in the story rather than forced gags, which makes the film feel fresh. The awkward premise of falling for a mother-daughter duo is tackled sensitively, though it might feel predictable or divisive for some viewers. Overall, it’s a solid debut that balances rom-com elements with family drama.
Technical Aspects: Music, Cinematography, and More
Leon James’ music is a highlight, with catchy tracks like “Dear Eira” and “Please Ma’am” adding energy to the romance. The background score fits the emotional beats perfectly. Cinematography by Pradeesh M Varma captures vibrant visuals, especially in the romantic sequences, while editing by Rohan Chillale keeps things crisp. Production values from Sandeep Picture Palace are impressive for a mid-budget film, with good VFX and choreography enhancing the fun vibe.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Clean, family-friendly comedy with no vulgarity.
- Strong performances, especially from the leads.
- Mature handling of sensitive topics like age gaps.
- Engaging music and visuals that keep you hooked.
- Good mix of emotions, laughs, and drama.
Cons:
- The storyline’s central twist might feel awkward or unconvincing to some.
- Climax is a bit rushed and predictable.
- Could use more depth in supporting character arcs.
Rating: 3/5
Based on the blend of fun and feels, Sundarakanda earns a solid 3 out of 5. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a decent watch for a relaxed evening.