Mithra Mandali (2025): A Buddy Comedy That Promises Laughs But Lands in Mixed Chaos
Directed by: Vijayendar S
Starring: Priyadarshi Pulikonda, Niharika NM, Vishnu Oi, Rag Mayur, Prasad Behara, Vennela Kishore, Satya Akkala, VTV Ganesh
Runtime: 2h 18m
Genre: Comedy/Drama
Release Date: 16 October 2025
Overall Rating: 2.75/5
A Spirited Entry With Wobbly Footing
Telugu cinema loves its buddy comedies, and Mithra Mandali jumps in with a lot of spirit. It arrives like a loud friend at a quiet party, keen to entertain, often tripping over its own bits. First-time director Vijayendar S, known for working with KV Anudeep (Jathi Ratnalu) and Kalyan Shankar, steps up with a small-scale film produced by Kalyan Manthina, Bhanu Pratapa, and Dr. Vijender Reddy Teegala under Saptaswa Media Works and Vyra Entertainments.
The story follows four directionless friends, Chaitanya (Priyadarshi Pulikonda), Abhi (Vishnu Oi), Satwick (Rag Mayur), and their oddball mate Prasad (Prasad Behara). They call themselves the Mithra Mandali, a self-styled circle of friends. What begins as banter, romance, and petty rivalries soon tumbles into a kidnapping caper linked to a caste-fixated politician, Narayana (VTV Ganesh), and his defiant daughter, Swetcha (Niharika NM). It reads like a riot. On screen, it hits patches of fun, then slides into clutter.
Cast That Keeps the Engine Running
The strongest asset here is the ensemble. Priyadarshi, fresh from the dramatic highs of Court earlier this year, slips back into comedy with ease. As Chaitanya, the hesitant lover at the group’s centre, he nails confusion and charm. His flustered reactions during the misfired elopement track are a treat, a slightly more hapless echo of his Pelli Choopulu persona with a sharper self-own streak. He even amped up buzz before release, saying, “Don’t watch my next movie if you don’t like Mithra Mandali,” which shows how much he backed it.
The rest of the gang brings bite. Vishnu Oi, buoyed by Mad Square, charges through scenes as the impulsive Abhi, using physical comedy like a pro. Rag Mayur and Prasad Behara meet his energy, turning throwaway tiffs into set pieces. A festival sequence where they try to impress Swetcha is silly in the best way.
Niharika NM’s Confident Debut
Niharika NM makes a lively first impression as Swetcha. The creator-turned-actor adds Gen Z snap to her lines, and she holds her own in the middle of the lads. Her chemistry with Priyadarshi works best in the smaller, softer beats. Those brief pauses for friendship and care give the film some heart. On X, several viewers called these moments “heart-touching,” and you can see why.
Cameos from Vennela Kishore and Satya Akkala as the minister’s clumsy aides are short but effective. Their timing can lift even weaker jokes. VTV Ganesh, as Narayana, goes big. He plays the caste-obsessed neta chasing MLA dreams with cartoonish relish, leaning into theatrical villainy that recalls the absurdist baddies of Eega.
Plot That Feels Like Skits Stuck Together
For all the comic talent, the writing under Vijayendar S never quite settles. The script hangs on a thin setup of a love tangle and an accidental abduction. It often feels like a string of online comedy sketches held together with bro banter. The opening hour moves at a breezy clip, with quick introductions and punchy gags. RR Dhruvan’s peppy songs, including the reel-friendly Mithra Jathara, add colour. Siddharth SJ’s camerawork paints Hyderabad in warm, bright tones that suit the mood.
The second half loses steam. The film stretches its chases, repeats jokes, and juggles side plots that do not land. The pacing sags, and the two-hour-plus runtime starts to weigh on the jokes. Peekay’s editing is the weak link. Choppy cuts blunt a lot of punchlines, and several scenes overstay their welcome. The background score also turns loud, often sitting on top of dialogue and drowning out the humour. The satire on caste politics aims for boldness, but it often goes heavy-handed instead of sharp.
Music, Visuals, and Editing
- Music: RR Dhruvan delivers catchy tracks that suit a friends-first comedy. The songs pop, the score less so, since it can overpower scenes.
- Visuals: Siddharth SJ keeps things vivid and lively, with a bright palette that flatters the chaos.
- Editing: The film needs a tighter cut. Cleaner transitions and trimmed chases would have helped the jokes land.
What the Film Tries to Say
Beneath the gags, Mithra Mandali gestures at the mess and joy of modern friendship. It nods to the push and pull of loyalty, romance, and one-upmanship inside a tight-knit group. You can spot the influence of campus and buddy classics like 3 Idiots, yet the emotional anchor is light. The film chases the absurdity of an Anudeep-style comedy but rarely reaches full lift-off. Production values match the budget, bright and busy rather than sleek, and the cast brings more polish than the packaging.
The Bottom Line
At 2 hours 18 minutes, Mithra Mandali feels like a group chat in film form, hilarious in bursts, draining when it loops. Priyadarshi and the crew commit to the bit and squeeze out enough laughs to keep comedy lovers engaged. For casual viewers, it sits in the middle, pleasant with company, forgettable alone. If you want a quick laugh fix, the trailer gives you the flavour. The full spread serves some tasty bites, not a full meal.
Category Ratings
- Story & Screenplay: 2/5, thin plot and uneven rhythm, satire lacks bite
- Direction: 2.5/5, a promising first step held back by loose control
- Performances: 4/5, the cast carries the film, Priyadarshi shines, ensemble crackles
- Music & BGM: 3/5, catchy songs, overpowering score
- Technical Aspects: 2.5/5, bright visuals, messy edits
- Entertainment Value: 3/5, sparks of fun inside long stretches
Mithra Mandali will not reset the comedy formula, yet it reminds you why audiences enjoy chaotic friend groups. Worth a matinee with your own gang, just dial down expectations.