Tollywood has no shortage of love stories and family dramas, but Santhana Prapthirasthu dares to tread new ground. Directed by Sanjeev Reddy, the film takes on an underrepresented and sensitive topic – male infertility – but steers clear of melodrama. Instead, it opts for humor and warmth, making for a breezy watch that’s relatable yet purposeful. With Vikranth and Chandini Chowdary leading the charge, this modestly mounted film proves that socially relevant themes can still be entertaining.
Story
We meet Chaitanya (Vikranth), a reserved tech professional in Hyderabad whose quiet demeanor masks his sharp observational skills. His chance meeting with Kalyani (Chandini Chowdary) blossoms into romance, eventually culminating in marriage—despite disapproval from her stern, traditional father.
The newlyweds’ life takes an unexpected turn when Chaitanya is diagnosed with a severely low sperm count. What unfolds is not just a medical struggle but also a battle against societal expectations, awkward conversations, and the constant interference of Kalyani’s overly critical father. While infertility is the central conflict, the film smartly weaves comedy into the narrative, keeping things light without trivializing the issue.
Performances
Vikranth’s portrayal of Chaitanya is mature and nuanced. He captures vulnerability and quiet anxiety without resorting to exaggerated drama. Chandini Chowdary, on the other hand, holds the emotional core together. She conveys both compassion and resilience, ensuring that the story never strays entirely into slapstick territory.
Muralidhar Goud steals the spotlight as the hypercritical father-in-law. His comedic timing, expressive reactions, and over-the-top paranoia inject the film with energy. Abhinav Gomatam’s supporting role is equally effective, adding texture to multiple scenes and maintaining the film’s lively rhythm.
Behind the Scenes
Music composer Sunil Kashyap delivers a soundtrack that is soothing and functional, complementing the film’s tone. The cinematography remains uncluttered, focusing on clean frames and relatable visuals rather than grand spectacle. Director Sanjeev Reddy deserves applause for handling a culturally delicate topic with restraint, balancing levity and sensitivity. However, the uneven pacing and late arrival of emotional intensity slightly dilute the impact. Early portions lean heavily on predictable romantic beats and slow editing, which might test the patience of some viewers.
Final Verdict
Santhana Prapthirasthu isn’t designed to be a weighty drama. Instead, it’s a light, engaging comedy-drama with a socially relevant message at its heart. While a deeper emotional exploration could have enriched the narrative, its clean humor, grounded performances, and accessible storytelling make it a pleasant weekend choice.
For audiences seeking something fresh in Telugu cinema—minus crude jokes or excessive sentimentality—this film fits the bill as a one-time watch that is both entertaining and thoughtful.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Best For: Viewers who enjoy clean, family-oriented comedies with a meaningful twist.
