Telusu Kada (2025) [Movie Review]: A Stylish Telugu Romance That Shines — Until It Doesn’t

A measured, visually pleasing romantic drama from debut director Neeraja Kona, Telusu Kada (rating: 5.5/10) earns points for performances, music, and production design but struggles with a sagging second half and some convenient plotting. Read on for a critic’s perspective on why the film delights in parts but never fully delivers.

About the Movie — Premise & Promise

A mature romance with an emotional knot

Telusu Kada follows Varun (Siddhu Jonnalagadda), an orphan craving the warmth of a family and convinced that marriage will fill that void. He finds a kindred spirit in Anjali (Raashii Khanna), whose steadiness seems to promise the belonging he seeks. But the re-entry of Raaga (Srinidhi Shetty), Varun’s volatile ex, turns a tender love story into a fraught clash of ego, desire, and gendered power play. Neeraja Kona — who co-wrote the script with Bharadwaj Munimanikyam — frames the film as a grown-up exploration of relationships rather than a formulaic romance.

Story & Screenplay — Strengths and Shortcomings

A thoughtful setup that loses its grip

The film’s central idea — love complicated by past wounds and protective instinct — feels genuinely rooted and refreshingly mature. The first half establishes character dynamics with smart dialogue and believable emotional beats. However, as the plot progresses, the screenplay begins to rely on narrative conveniences. Key developments feel telegraphed, and the tension that should arise from the triangle is occasionally undermined by plot turns that exist more to move the story along than to reveal character. The result: an affecting first act and a second half that drifts from urgency into repetitiveness.

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Performances — The Heart of the Film

Actors anchor a flawed script

Siddhu Jonnalagadda is the film’s emotional fulcrum, giving Varun a layered center of gravity — at once vulnerable, guarded, and cunning. He carries scenes with nuance, making the audience invest in his moral hesitations. Raashii Khanna’s Anjali is a study in restraint; she balances practicality with passion and provides a calm counterpoint to Varun’s turbulence. Srinidhi Shetty injects Raaga with combustible energy, ensuring the character’s return genuinely complicates the narrative. Harsha Chemudu’s lighter touches prevent the film from becoming too heavy. Overall, the performances rescue moments where the writing falters.

Technicals — Style That Speaks

Aesthetic choices that elevate the material

Visually, Gnana Shekar VS’s cinematography and the film’s production design create a lived-in, tasteful world. Neeraja’s visual sensibility is confident — the homes, costumes, and color palettes are carefully composed. Thaman S’s score and songs are among the film’s highlights; the music enhances the quieter scenes and amplifies emotional beats. Navin Nooli’s editing is generally sharp, though the pacing in the second half might have benefited from tighter trims.

Verdict — Who Should Watch It?

A sincere attempt that partially succeeds

Telusu Kada is a heartfelt, well-acted exploration of modern relationships that will appeal to viewers who favor mood, performance, and craft over plot-driven momentum. It is best recommended for audiences who appreciate character-led dramas and evocative soundtracks. Conversely, those expecting a brisk, conventional romance or razor-sharp conflict may find the film’s second half unsatisfying.

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Final Word — A Promising Debut with Reservations

Neeraja Kona’s debut signals a director with a clear aesthetic and an interest in mature emotional themes. While Telusu Kada earns admiration for its performances, visuals, and music, inconsistent pacing and an occasionally convenient screenplay keep it from being wholly compelling. Worth a watch for the leads and the look — just temper expectations if you want a tightly plotted climax.