Sundarakanda (2025)

Sundarakanda is a 2025 Telugu-language romantic comedy-drama that mixes light-hearted humour, family emotions, and a warm look at love and partnership. Directed by first-time filmmaker Venkatesh Nimmalapudi, the film features Nara Rohith as Siddharth, a middle-aged man weighed down by bad luck and failed romances, blamed on his birth under the “unlucky” Mula Nakshatra (a Hindu astrological sign).

The plot follows his offbeat hunt for a perfect partner who meets his five strict conditions, which leads to an unexpected connection that triggers real affection and a gradual change in his life.

Key Details

Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)

The film takes loose inspiration from the 2014 Malayalam success Vellimoonga and its 2016 Tamil version Muthina Kathirikai, but shifts the idea into a more current Telugu setting. Siddharth, a single man in his 40s, is a stickler for order and stuck in his ways. Years of failed matches and constant comments from relatives weigh on him, yet he clings to his rigid checklist for a bride. Much of the comedy springs from his stiff, often embarrassing attempts to find “the one”, while a large supporting cast brings warmth and mild satire about dating, marriage, and social pressure. The film plays as a comfort piece about accepting flaws, valuing family, and finding small moments of joy in a messy life, without slipping into heavy melodrama.

Performances: Rohith’s Control, Satya’s Comic Energy

Nara Rohith, usually associated with intense thrillers like Prathinidhi 2, steps away from his regular serious image and takes on a softer, more open character. As Siddharth, he appears as a man quietly aching inside, hiding behind rules and checklists that act less like a plan for love and more like a shield against more rejection. His sense of timing in comic scenes works well, especially in a chaotic family dinner sequence that becomes one of the film’s standout moments.

In emotional scenes, his delivery sometimes feels rehearsed rather than deeply felt, which echoes long-standing criticism about his somewhat rigid screen presence. Even so, this is his most likable performance since Rowdy Fellow, and it hints at a more flexible image for him in romantic comedies.

Satya provides the loudest laughs as the hero’s sidekick, stepping in whenever the story threatens to slow down. His one-liners, awkward reactions, and confused advice keep the tone light and give the film much of its repeat-watch charm.

Technical Strengths and Weak Spots: Strong Visuals, Mixed Music

Pradeesh M Varma’s cinematography gives the film a gentle, everyday beauty. Sun-drenched college corridors feel full of hope, and the busy streets of Hyderabad carry a lived-in energy. Rajesh Pentakota’s production design keeps the world believable, focusing on normal middle-class houses, small offices, and casual cafés rather than glossy, over-the-top sets. That choice suits the tone, since the characters feel like people viewers might know in real life.

Leon James delivers a background score that fits the mood, and the upbeat title track stays in the mind. However, the songs drop into the narrative a bit too often. Several musical sequences feel polished but slightly loud in style, which breaks the quiet, personal tone of the scenes around them and slows the story at key points.

Reception and Reviews

Sundarakanda earned largely positive reviews on release, with praise for its clean humour, easy-going charm, and characters who feel grounded. Families welcomed it as a safe watch, especially in a year filled with high-octane action films and heavy dramas. Some reviewers pointed out that the second half loses rhythm, with a few stretched scenes and repeated gags, which soften the impact of the climax.

At the box office, the film performed well for its scale, helped by word of mouth and a strong run as a family entertainer. Many viewers described it as the sort of film they could put on after a long day and enjoy without stress.

Final Verdict: Light, Charming, And Easy To Enjoy

Sundarakanda is not a flawless film. Occasional pacing slips and a lack of deeper emotional punch keep it short of greatness. Yet it works very well as a pleasant, good-natured watch that leaves most viewers smiling by the time the credits roll, perhaps thinking about their own long lists for love and marriage.

Venkatesh Nimmalapudi’s first outing as a director shows a clear comfort with gentle, character-driven comedy and a willingness to slightly bend typical Telugu rom-com formulas. Nara Rohith shows signs of settling into a new space as a relatable romantic lead, which could open more varied roles for him in the future. For families looking for honest laughs without crude jokes, or couples in the mood for a warm-hearted romance, Sundarakanda feels like a reliable choice. Overall grade: B-. It rewards a cinema viewing for Satya’s sharp lines and physical comedy, and still works well as a cosy stream at home.

• Audience/Aggregate Scores:
  • iBomma: 7.0/10
  • Rotten Tomatoes: Certified Fresh (audience score around 85%)
  • Letterboxd: Average 3.5/5 (many users call it “pure comfort cinema” with “soft humour and honest emotions”)

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