In the bustling world of Telugu cinema, Telusu Kada arrives as a bold romantic drama. Directed by debutant Neeraja Kona, it dives deep into modern relationships. The film stars Siddhu Jonnalagadda, Raashii Khanna, and Srinidhi Shetty. Released amid high expectations, it explores love’s messy side. Does it deliver heartfelt moments or fall short? Read on for a full Telusu Kada review.
Movie Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Movie Title | Telusu Kada |
| Release Date | October 17, 2025 |
| Language and Genre | Telugu, Romantic Drama |
| Director | Neeraja Kona |
| Producer | T. G. Vishwa Prasad, Krithi Prasad, Vipin Agnihotri |
| Production House | People Media Factory |
| Running Time | 135 minutes |
| Budget and Box Office | Approx. ₹50 crore budget; ₹11 crore collection |
The film hit theaters with buzz. Yet, its box office run has been modest so far. This sets the stage for its emotional journey.
Cast and Crew
The ensemble shines with fresh faces and familiar talents. Here’s a quick look:
- Siddhu Jonnalagadda as Varun: A chef haunted by his past. His nuanced role anchors the story.
- Raashii Khanna as Anjali: Varun’s wife-to-be. She brings warmth and vulnerability.
- Srinidhi Shetty as Dr. Raaga Kumar: The IVF specialist and surrogate. This marks her strong Telugu debut.
- Viva Harsha in a key supporting role: Adds comic relief and depth.
Neeraja Kona makes her directorial bow here. She also penned the screenplay. Thaman S. composes the music—a first-time team-up. No major cameos, but the core trio drives the narrative. Standout performances come from Siddhu and Raashii. Their chemistry feels real and raw.
Storyline / Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Telusu Kada follows Varun, a skilled chef rebuilding his life after heartbreak. He meets Anjali through a matrimonial setup. Sparks fly fast. They marry and dream of a family. But infertility throws a curveball. Enter Dr. Raaga, an IVF expert who offers to help as a surrogate.
The central conflict brews around hidden pasts and tough choices. It questions love, trust, and family in today’s world. Themes of communication and ego hit home. The story stays engaging without big twists. It feels like a mirror to urban couples’ struggles. Expect laughs, tears, and real talk on relationships.
Direction, Screenplay, and Editing
Neeraja Kona’s vision feels fresh for a debut. She tackles grey areas of love with honesty. The storytelling blends humor and drama well in the first half. Yet, it wobbles later.
The screenplay shines in dialogues. They sound natural, like everyday chats. Lines on ego and compromise linger. Pacing starts brisk but slows in the second act. Some scenes drag, testing patience.
Editing by Naveen Nooli keeps it tight overall. Flashbacks add layers without confusion. No fancy techniques here—just solid narrative flow. Kona’s touch makes it relatable. It avoids clichés, focusing on emotional truth.
Cinematography, Visuals, and Music
Visuals capture urban Hyderabad’s vibe. Karthik Palani’s camera work is crisp. Sweeping shots of kitchens and clinics feel alive. Soft lighting amps up intimate moments. No heavy VFX, but subtle effects enhance dreams and memories.
The color palette—warm tones for romance, cooler for tension—sets the mood right. It draws you in without overwhelming.
Thaman S.’s score elevates everything. The background music pulses with emotion. Tracks like “Mallika Gandha” and “Sogasu Chudatharama” are earworms. Sid Sriram’s vocals add soul. Songs blend seamlessly, boosting heartfelt scenes. Music ties visuals to feelings, making highs soar and lows ache.
Performances
Siddhu Jonnalagadda owns the screen as Varun. He shifts from charming to conflicted with ease. His eyes convey pain and joy. It’s his best dramatic turn yet.
Raashii Khanna glows as Anjali. Her mix of strength and fragility tugs heartstrings. In emotional scenes, she shines brightest. The chemistry with Siddhu sparks—playful dates turn tense fast.
Srinidhi Shetty debuts strong as Raaga. She balances poise and inner turmoil. Supporting cast, like Viva Harsha, adds levity. No weak links here. Powerful moments, like family confrontations, leave you moved. The trio’s bond feels authentic, driving the film’s core.
Audience and Critics’ Response
Telusu Kada sparked mixed buzz. Critics praise its intent but nitpick execution. Audiences love the leads but debate the depth.
| Platform | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IMDb | 5.8/10 | Based on 10,450 votes; users call it “insightful but flawed.” |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 40% (Tomatometer) | Mixed reviews; audience score pending (under 50 ratings). Critics note pacing issues. |
| Google Users | 62% liked it | Positive on performances; some find it “underwhelming.” |
Overall sentiment leans mixed. Critics like The Hindu say it raises key questions on love but lacks answers. Twitter and Reddit threads highlight the mature theme. Many appreciate Siddhu’s honesty in post-release talks. Online forums, including Movierulz discussions, buzz about the storyline’s surrogacy twist and lead chemistry. Fans debate if it truly captures modern egos. Public talks show split views—romance lovers cheer, others yawn at the drag.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Stellar acting from Siddhu, Raashii, and Srinidhi—raw and real.
- Thaman’s music and sharp dialogues that stick.
- Bold take on relationships, surrogacy, and communication.
Weaknesses:
- Second-half pacing feels sluggish, losing momentum.
- Emotional arcs stay surface-level, missing deeper impact.
These keep the film from greatness. Still, it charms in parts.
Final Verdict
Telusu Kada tries hard to unpack love’s knots. It succeeds in moments of wit and warmth. But uneven pacing dims its shine. Romance drama fans and couple-movie buffs will connect most. Skip if you crave high-stakes thrills.
Personal rating: 6.5/10