Director - Neeraja Kona 
Cast – Siddhu Jonnalagadda, Raashii Khanna, Srinidhi Shetty, Harsha Chemudu, Rohini, Sanjay Swaroop, Rajashree, Sivannarayana Naripeddi, Annapurna 
Duration – 135 Minutes
 
Telusu Kada, written and directed by Neeraja Kona, begins with an intriguing premise: exploring the idea of what constitutes a modern family in contemporary society. A woman’s entry into the life of a married couple stirs secrets, past regrets, and the potential for unconventional bonds. The concept suggests an emotionally rich narrative, one that could have tackled identity, autonomy, and the complexities of human relationships. Unfortunately, the film never fully commits to these themes, instead letting clichés and outdated gender dynamics dominate the storyline.
 
The film’s central character, Varun (Siddhu Jonnalagadda), sets the tone early on. Scarred by a previous heartbreak, he vows to avoid emotional entanglements with women, only to pursue an arranged marriage with Anjali (Raashii Khanna). What could have been a nuanced portrayal of emotional healing and growth turns into a tiresome tale of male ego and entitlement. Varun’s character struggles to evoke empathy; his obsessive need for control and validation overshadows any chance for audience connection.
 
Raashii Khanna’s Anjali is intelligent and capable, but the film reduces her to the role of a foil to Varun’s insecurities. Her choices, opinions, and career ambitions are constantly framed against the desires of the male lead, leaving little room for her character to develop naturally. Similarly, Srinidhi Shetty’s Raga enters the story more as a narrative complication than a fully realized character, creating tension that feels forced rather than earned.
 
The screenplay is further weighed down by casual misogyny and narrative indulgences. Scenes that attempt humor often land as crass, and the dramatic beats meant to create tension or emotional depth feel hollow. There’s a repeated pattern of escalating conflicts followed by abrupt resolutions, making it difficult to invest in the story or the characters’ emotional journeys. Moments that could have explored genuine vulnerability or relational complexity are instead flattened by predictable melodrama.
 
On the technical front, the film offers competent work from the cast. Siddhu Jonnalagadda carries the lead with sincerity, and Raashii Khanna provides flashes of charm and intelligence, especially in moments where her character asserts herself. Yet the strong performances are undermined by the story’s inconsistent writing and the overemphasis on Varun’s problematic traits, which the film tries to normalize as “swagger” or charm.
 
Ultimately, Telusu Kada feels like a missed opportunity. Its premise promised an examination of modern love, family, and personal growth, but the execution is bogged down by outdated gender politics and uneven storytelling. While there are sparks of emotional resonance and performance strength, the film struggles to rise above its clichés and fails to deliver the thoughtful, nuanced romance it hints at.