In a heart-wrenching story that dives deep into the pain of unfulfilled dreams and unexpected twists, 'Telusu Kada' arrives in theaters promising emotional depth – yet it leaves audiences questioning if it's all just smoke and mirrors. But here's where it gets controversial: could this film be a bold experiment in modern relationships, or is it a misguided flop that squanders its potential? Let's unpack this movie review together and see what really holds up under scrutiny.
Movie: Telusu Kada
Rating: 2.25 out of 5
Banner: People Media Factory
Cast: Siddhu Jonnalagadda, Raashi Khanna, Srinidhi Shetty, Viva Harsha, and more
Music: Thaman S
Director of Photography: Gnana Shekar VS
Editor: Navin Nooli
Production Designer: Avinash Kolla
Producers: TG Vishwa Prasad, Krithi Prasad
Written and Directed by: Neerraja Kona
Release Date: October 17, 2025
Today marks the theatrical debut of 'Telusu Kada,' following an intense marketing campaign that hyped it as a fresh take on family and intimacy. Leading man Siddhu Jonnalagadda has publicly voiced unwavering faith in newcomer director Neeraja Kona's vision and storytelling prowess, while actresses Raashi Khanna and Srinidhi Shetty have hailed their roles here as career highlights, claiming these are among the most substantial parts they've tackled.
But does the final product truly live up to all that hype and confidence? Stick around as we break it down step by step – and this is the part most people miss: the plot's core idea has real-world parallels that could resonate deeply with anyone facing infertility struggles.
Story Overview:
At the heart of the narrative is Varun, portrayed by Siddhu Jonnalagadda, and his wife Anjali, played by Raashi Khanna – a couple blissfully wed but grappling with heartache. Having endured a tough upbringing as an orphan after losing his parents young, Varun yearns desperately to create his own loving family unit. Their joy, however, crumbles when Anjali receives a devastating diagnosis of a medical issue that renders her unable to bear children naturally.
Plunged into despair by her perceived failure to grant Varun the fatherhood he craves, Anjali battles severe depression until Dr. Raaga, embodied by Srinidhi Shetty, steps in. This compassionate physician doesn't just provide medical hope through options like surrogacy and artificial insemination; she astonishingly offers to carry the child herself as the surrogate.
What drives Raaga to make such an extraordinary, selfless proposal? Is there a hidden agenda behind her generosity? And how will Varun respond to this surprising lifeline for his dreams?
Acting Performances:
Siddhu Jonnalagadda seems trapped in the shadow of his breakout role as the wild DJ Tillu from previous hits. Even while portraying two distinct phases of life – a carefree college kid and a committed husband – he leans heavily on Tillu's over-the-top style. His lines are shouted with plenty of slangy nods to 'aadadi' (a Telugu term for a cool guy), 'pellam' (women), 'estrogen,' and 'testosterone,' lacking the nuance of a grown-up conversation. He puts in a valiant effort to anchor the story, but it ultimately comes across as repetitive and one-note.
Srinidhi Shetty shines in the opening act as a contemporary college student navigating youthful energies. Later, her character transforms into the archetype of an expecting mother, delivering a solid if predictable performance.
Raashi Khanna truly excels as the conflicted spouse, balancing her own maternal desires with her partner's emotional turmoil in a way that's both poignant and relatable – a real standout for beginners exploring character-driven dramas.
Viva Harsha fills the familiar spot of the protagonist's loyal buddy, while Annapurnamma tries injecting levity in the second half with comedic bits that, unfortunately, fall flat and don't land the intended laughs.
Technical Aspects:
Thaman S contributes a few upbeat tunes that stand out, like the charming 'Mallika Gandha' and the energetic 'Sogasu Choodatarama.' On the flip side, his background music feels wildly mismatched, pumping in heavy beats that clash with the film's intimate, romantic vibe – imagine trying to whisper sweet nothings over a pounding club remix; it just distracts from the mood instead of enhancing it.
The visuals and overall production quality impress with their polish, though the script and editing fall short, missing opportunities for tighter pacing that could have elevated the experience.
Strengths:
- Solid foundational premise
- A handful of engaging scenes
Weaknesses:
- Siddhu Jonnalagadda's underdeveloped character
- Forced, unconvincing emotional beats
- The majority of the second half's narrative
Deeper Dive:
On the page, 'Telusu Kada' boasts a compelling setup: a married pair welcomes a surrogate into their lives, only to uncover she's the husband's former flame. This concept had the makings of a mature exploration of love, betrayal, and second chances, much like the sensitive handling in 'Ninnu Kori,' where a couple invites an ex back home and navigates the fallout with grace. For newcomers to these themes, think of it as a real-life scenario where old relationships resurface, testing modern marriages in ways that feel both thrilling and terrifying.
Instead, director Neeraja Kona seems to aim for an evolved spin on the rom-com antics of 'Intlo Illalu Vantintlo Priyuralu,' but with the lead acting more like an extension of the boisterous DJ Tillu. And here's where it gets controversial: is this choice a deliberate subversion of gender norms, or just lazy writing that undermines the story's potential? The result? A promising idea dragged down by shaky execution.
The movie juggles heartfelt drama and moral lessons but veers into lopsided territory, with moments that beg for quiet subtlety ending up bombastic and contrived. Post the big reveal – where the wife discovers the surrogate's true identity as her husband's ex and opts for separation – the plot muddles on with scenes echoing 'Intlo Illalu Vantintlo Priyuralu,' like baby shower celebrations and awkward glimpses of the husband bonding with his former partner. It's as if the characters are stuck in a loop, ignoring the emotional weight of the twist.
The most glaring blunder is the awkward Seemantham ritual sequence, coupled with Annapurnamma's failed comedy about mocking Siddhu Jonnalagadda's supposed 'weak battery' and suggesting remedies like Shilajit supplements for boosting virility. Relatives assume Raashi's surrogacy choice stems from her husband's infertility, advising potency aids – but wait, if he was infertile, how could the surrogacy proceed naturally with Srinidhi Shetty? The logic crumbles hilariously (or tragically), with family misunderstandings that defy common sense. This slapstick humor feels jarring, especially from a female director – does it empower or perpetuate outdated stereotypes? That's a debate worth having.
Throughout, the core motivations of the three leads – Varun, Anjali, and Raaga – stay murky, leading to erratic behaviors that don't ring true. It's like watching a puzzle with missing pieces; you can guess, but it never fully clicks.
In summary, 'Telusu Kada' launches with intrigue but spirals into a dreary, emotionally vacant tale that fails to stir or amuse. The inconsistent storytelling and poor delivery turn what could have been touching into a forgettable letdown.
Final Verdict: Bewildering
What are your takes on this one? Do you think the film's premise deserved better treatment, or does its controversial elements add layers that make it fascinating despite the flaws? And for those who've seen it, is the execution a total miss, or could it spark conversations about infertility, surrogacy ethics, and exes in family dynamics? Drop your opinions in the comments – agree, disagree, or share a counterpoint we've missed!
