After tasting success with DJ Tillu (2022) and its sequel Tillu Square (2024), Siddhu Jonnalagadda looked well on his way to becoming a youth favorite in Telugu cinema. However, the failure of Jack slowed down his winning streak, prompting him to make a strong comeback. That comeback attempt arrives in the form of Telusu Kada, a modern romantic drama written and directed by Neeraja Kona—better known previously for her work as a celebrity stylist and costume designer. With Raashii Khanna and Srinidhi Shetty as the female leads, the film aims to blend urban sensibilities with heartfelt emotion.
Story
Varun (Siddhu Jonnalagadda) is a self-made man and orphan whose dream is to create a warm, happy family of his own. His girlfriend Raaga (Srinidhi Shetty), however, doesn’t believe in labeling relationships or in marriage itself. Their breakup leads Varun to eventually marry Anjali (Raashii Khanna), but the couple is dealt a blow when they discover they cannot have children. Just as they are trying to cope with this challenge, Raaga unexpectedly reenters Varun’s life, setting off a chain of emotional events that test love, maturity, and sacrifice. The rest of the story unfolds around the choices each of them makes and how those decisions shape their futures.
Performances
Siddhu Jonnalagadda successfully moves away from his earlier Tillu persona, delivering a more restrained and emotionally grounded performance. His timing in humorous moments and emotional scenes stands out, though at times his conscious effort to appear different feels slightly forced.
Raashii Khanna shines as Anjali, portraying grace and strength in equal measure. Her chemistry with Siddhu is one of the film’s biggest assets. Srinidhi Shetty, in a well-written role, impresses with her natural performance—especially in the flashback sequences.
Harsha Chemudu provides consistent comic relief as Varun’s friend and business partner, while Annapoorna’s limited but touching screen time in the climax adds emotional depth.
Behind the Scenes
Music composer Thaman strikes gold once again with two chart-topping tracks that enhance the film’s emotional appeal. His background score, while effective, occasionally feels too grand for a romantic drama.
Cinematographer V. S. Gnana Shekar captures the film beautifully, with visually pleasing frames, especially during the vineyard sequences. Editor Naveen Nooli maintains a decent pace, though a few repetitive scenes could have been trimmed for tighter storytelling. The production team at People Media Factory has ensured the film looks rich and polished, giving Neeraja Kona’s vision ample space to breathe.
As a debut director, Neeraja Kona approaches the changing dynamics of relationships with honesty and sensitivity. She brings a feminine perspective to modern love stories, tackling commitment, emotional confusion, and evolving definitions of relationships. While her storytelling is grounded and contemporary, it may resonate more with urban audiences than traditional viewers.
Final Verdict
Telusu Kada speaks to today’s youth—those navigating the complexities of love, identity, and emotional maturity. Despite a few screenplay slowdowns and over-the-top hero moments, the film delivers heartfelt performances, relatable dialogue, and standout scenes that make it worth a watch.
Overall it’s s sincere, emotion-driven romantic drama with strong performances and a refreshing perspective. Ideal for urban audiences who appreciate layered storytelling.
