Telusu Kada Review: Siddhu’s Rom-Com Engaging Yet Confusing Like Modern Love

‘Telusu Kada’ marks a confident debut for writer-director Neerraja Kona, offering a bold take on modern urban relationships. The film follows Varun (Siddhu Jonnalagadda) as he navigates love, heartbreak, and emotional complexity between his past flame Raaga (Srinidhi Shetty) and present partner Anjali (Raashii Khanna).

The trailer promised a female lens on a contemporary, grey love story, and the film delivers ambition and thematic boldness. Yet, while Telusu Kada engages with poetic visuals, authentic moments, and small but powerful dialogues, it sometimes struggles to clearly communicate its emotional stakes.

Plot & Themes

Varun’s journey explores love triangles, surrogacy, and evolving male-female dynamics in urban India. The narrative oscillates between intense emotions and light-hearted sequences, reflecting the complexities of modern love. However, character arcs, particularly Varun’s, feel underdeveloped, leaving some emotional beats incomplete.

Raaga’s free-spirited approach and Anjali’s grounded personality create contrasts that drive the drama, yet their sudden behaviour shifts occasionally feel jarring. The film asks viewers to interpret its core message, echoing the question: “Em Cheppali Anukuntunaro Telusu Kada?” — “You know what you want to say, right?”

Performances

• Siddhu Jonnalagadda as Varun delivers charm, comic timing, and subtle emotional depth.

• Raashii Khanna as Anjali brings warmth and chemistry that enhances the romantic arc.

• Srinidhi Shetty impresses in flashbacks, giving Raaga emotional nuance.

• Harsha Chemudu adds levity without overshadowing the main narrative.

Technical Aspects

• Music by Thaman complements the mood, though some heroic cues feel mismatched for a rom-com.

• Cinematography by V. S. Gnana Shekar is intimate, visually pleasing, and enhances storytelling.

• Editing by Naveen Nooli keeps the pace comfortable, despite repetitive sequences early on.

Strengths

• Authentic portrayal of modern love and urban relationships.

• Poetic cinematography and small, relatable sequences.

• Strong performances and believable chemistry among leads.

• Thoughtful dialogues that linger after scenes.

Weaknesses

• Character arcs and emotional depth sometimes feel incomplete.

• Occasional overuse of slow-motion shots and dramatic scores.

• Humour around sensitive themes lands awkwardly.

• Some narrative setups feel convenient rather than organic.

Verdict

‘Telusu Kada’ is a promising debut with bold themes, strong performances, and an engaging look at modern love. While the film’s emotional clarity and depth could have been sharper, it remains a thoughtful and fresh rom-com exploring urban relationships and heartbreak in today’s world.