Sundarakanda Movie Review: Nara Rohith’s Romantic Comedy Shines with Humor and Heart

A Fresh Take on Love and Laughter

Telugu cinema has always had a soft spot for romantic comedies that blend humor emotions and family values. Sundarakanda named after the 1992 Venkatesh starrer reimagines the genre with a modern twist tackling themes of love, ageism and personal growth. With Nara Rohith returning to a lead role after his intense performance in Bhairavam this film marks his comeback to the rom-com space a genre where he has previously shone in films like Solo

A Romantic Journey with a Twist

The story revolves around Siddharth (Nara Rohith) a middle-aged carefree corporate employee who is perpetually single due to his rigid checklist of five qualities he seeks in his ideal partner. These qualities are inspired by his childhood crush Vaishnavi (Sridevi Vijaykumar) a senior from his school days. Despite pressure from his family Siddharth rejects every marriage proposal that doesn’t meet his standards earning him the reputation of a quirky yet stubborn bachelor.

His life takes a turn when he encounters Eira (Virti Vaghani) a vibrant college student at an airport. Convinced that she ticks all his boxes Siddharth embarks on a quest to win her heart even going to the extent of becoming a lecturer at her college. However his pursuit is not without complications. The arrival of Vaishnavi his past love and an unexpected twist at the interval add layers to the narrative transforming this light-hearted rom-com into a story about love self-discovery and bridging generational gaps.

The plot draws inspiration from classic Telugu rom-coms but introduces a modern spin by addressing age differences in relationships with humor and sensitivity. While the first half is packed with witty exchanges and situational comedy the second half delves into emotional territory making Sundarakanda a balanced blend of laughter and heartwarming moments.

Performances: Nara Rohith Leads with Charm

Nara Rohith as Siddharth

Nara Rohith known for his selective script choices, slips effortlessly into the role of Siddharth. After taking a break to refine his craft and appearance he returns with a fitter more stylish look that suits the boy-next-door vibe of the character. His comic timing especially in scenes with Satya is impeccable and he handles the emotional sequences in the second half with maturity. While some critics note that his static screen presence persists in dance sequences his overall performance is engaging and carries the film forward.

Sridevi Vijaykumar as Vaishnavi

Sridevi Vijaykumar makes a graceful comeback to Telugu cinema after a long hiatus. Playing Vaishnavi, she effortlessly portrays both a youthful schoolgirl and a mature woman adding depth to the narrative. Her chemistry with Nara Rohith is subtle yet impactful and her performance in confrontational scenes is a highlight. Sridevi’s return is a treat for fans and she proves she still has the charm to captivate audiences.

Virti Vaghani as Eira

Newcomer Virti Vaghani is a revelation as Eira. Her bubbly persona and emotional depth make her a perfect fit for the role of a college student who captures Siddharth’s heart. Her confident performance especially in emotional exchanges hints at a promising career ahead. However some reviews suggest that her character feels overly wise for her age which slightly disrupts the believability of her role.

Technical Aspects: A Polished Yet Familiar Presentation

Direction by Venkatesh Nimmalapudi

Debutant director Venkatesh Nimmalapudi deserves credit for crafting a clean family-friendly entertainer that avoids cheap humor or vulgarity. His dialogue writing, reminiscent of Trivikram Srinivas’s style is sharp and witty particularly in the first half. However the screenplay falters in the second half with some predictable beats and an extended climax that could have been crisper. Despite these flaws Venkatesh handles the sensitive theme of age-gap romance with care making Sundarakanda a refreshing watch.

Cinematography by Pradeesh M Varma

The visuals captured by Pradeesh M Varma lend a vibrant and polished look to the film. Set against the scenic backdrop of Visakhapatnam the cinematography enhances the campus vibe and romantic moments though it doesn’t break new ground in terms of innovation.

Music by Leon James

Leon James’s music is functional but not particularly memorable. The background score complements the film’s mood without overpowering it, but the songs lack the chartbuster quality that could have elevated the theater experience. Tracks like those in the second half are pleasant but fail to linger post-viewing.

Editing by Rohan Chillale

Rohan Chillale’s editing keeps the first half crisp and engaging but the second half suffers from pacing issues and multiple false endings. A tighter edit could have made the film more impactful especially in the emotional sequences.

Themes and Analysis: Love, Ageism and Family Values

Sundarakanda tackles the unconventional theme of age-gap romance a topic rarely explored in Telugu cinema with such light-heartedness. The film uses humor to address societal perceptions of age differences in relationships drawing parallels with classics like Lamhe (1991) and Dikkulu Choodaku Ramayya (2014). While the premise is bold the execution remains safe ensuring the film stays accessible to family audiences.

The narrative also weaves in themes of personal growth and letting go of past baggage. Siddharth’s journey from a rigid bachelor to someone who embraces love in an unexpected form is both relatable and heartwarming. The interval twist which many reviews highlight as a major strength adds depth to the story making it more than just a run-of-the-mill rom-com.

However the film doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential to explore these themes in depth. The second half dips into melodrama and some scenes feel formulaic preventing Sundarakanda from being a game-changer in the genre. Nevertheless its clean humor and family-friendly narrative make it a perfect festive watch especially during Ganesh Chaturthi.

Why You Should Watch Sundarakanda

If you’re a fan of Telugu romantic comedies or looking for a light-hearted film to enjoy with family during the festive season Sundarakanda is a solid choice. Its clean humor engaging performances and unique take on age-gap romance make it a refreshing addition to the genre. While it may not reinvent the wheel it delivers enough laughs and emotional moments to keep you entertained for its 2-hour-17-minute runtime.

For fans of Nara Rohith this film marks a confident return to his comfort zone showcasing his ability to carry a rom-com with ease. Sridevi Vijaykumar’s comeback and Virti Vaghani’s promising debut add to the film’s appeal making it a must-watch for those seeking a feel-good entertainer.

A Heartwarming Festive Treat

Sundarakanda (2025) is a charming if not groundbreaking Telugu romantic comedy that delivers on its promise of clean entertainment. Nara Rohith’s spirited performance coupled with strong support from Sridevi Vijaykumar, Virti Vaghani and Satya makes it a delightful watch for family audiences. While the predictable storyline and uneven pacing hold it back from greatness the film’s humor heart and festive vibe make it a worthy addition to your watchlist.

For those searching for a Telugu movie review that captures the essence of Sundarakanda this film is a testament to the enduring appeal of rom-coms when done with sincerity. Whether you’re in the mood for laughter or a touch of nostalgia Sundarakanda offers a satisfying cinematic experience.