Released on January 1, 2026, Psych Siddhartha brings a refreshing blend of dark comedy and philosophical drama to Telugu cinema. Directed by Varun Reddy and headlined by Shree Nandu alongside Yamini Bhaskar, the film steps away from formulaic storytelling to deliver an unpredictable, emotionally layered journey. Produced by Shyam Sunder Reddy Thudi and Shree Nandu under the banners Nanduness and Keep Rolling Pictures, and presented by Suresh Productions, this narrative isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about peeling back the layers of human resilience.
Story
At the heart of Psych Siddhartha lies the story of Siddhartha, an easygoing and optimistic young man whose life collapses after losing ₹3 crore in a fraudulent investment scheme masterminded by Mansoor and his partner Trisha. With his finances drained and rent unpaid, he finds himself living on the streets and in a slum. Seeking justice, he initiates legal action against Mansoor.
The plot thickens when Revanth, Mansoor’s friend, suggests settling out of court, while Trisha wrestles with her loyalty to Mansoor—who plans to propose—and her growing feelings for Siddhartha. In his lowest moments, Siddhartha encounters Sharvya, a gifted dancer trapped in an abusive marriage and raising a young son. From here, the film weaves together multiple lives, each carrying its own struggles, into a narrative about human connection, survival, and self-realization.
Performances
Shree Nandu delivers a standout performance as Siddhartha. His portrayal brims with raw intensity, capturing the frustration, confusion, and emotional turbulence of a man on the brink. His physical transformation and expressive body language reflect the toll of hardship, while his ability to balance humour with vulnerability makes the character relatable.
Yamini Bhaskar shines as Sharvya, bringing a calm yet powerful presence to the screen. Her grounded performance offers emotional stability amid the chaos, embodying strength and resilience without overshadowing the film’s central arc.
Supporting actors Priyanka Rebekah Srinivas, Sakshi Atree, and Mounika contribute convincingly to the authenticity of Siddhartha’s world, each adding texture to the social and emotional landscape.
Behind the Scenes
Varun Reddy’s direction cleverly fuses quirky humour with serious social commentary, touching on themes such as domestic violence, sexual harassment, depression, and childhood trauma. The film’s unpredictability stems from Siddhartha’s eccentric, erratic persona, steering it away from conventional narratives.
However, the script occasionally pushes the eccentricity too far, and the absence of a more detailed backstory for Siddhartha makes deeper emotional engagement challenging. Despite these minor shortcomings, the depiction of his mental state as a chaotic maze is both visually and narratively compelling.
Final Verdict
Psych Siddhartha is not merely a dark comedy—it’s an exploration of how losing everything can be the first step toward finding oneself. It reframes vulnerability as a path to growth, offering a fresh cinematic flavour for audiences seeking something beyond the usual. While a tighter edit could have made it sharper, the film’s unpredictability, layered themes, and memorable performances make it worth watching.
⭐ Rating: 3/5 – Bold, messy, and emotionally engaging.
