Sundarakanda Movie Review: Nara Rohith’s Rom-Com Balances Humor and Flaws
In Sundarakanda, actor Nara Rohith steps into the shoes of Siddharth, a middle-aged man caught in the familiar dilemma of Telugu cinema’s romantic comedies – a son under parental pressure to marry, but unwilling to settle for anyone who doesn’t match his exacting standards. While the premise is routine, the film attempts to give it a playful twist with moments of self-aware humor.
The title of the film recalls Venkatesh’s 1992 hit Sundarakanda, and the 2025 version draws a thematic parallel. This time, it’s about a man who becomes a teacher to woo his love interest, a setup that comes across as both quirky and problematic. The narrative deals with ageism and unconventional romance, peppered with cheeky humor.
Siddharth, who is on a career break and preparing to move to the US, still lingers on his childhood crush while clinging to unrealistic expectations about his ideal partner. When fate introduces him to Eira (Virti Vaghani), a college student, his pursuit takes bizarre turns — including stalking her name on discarded coffee cups. His persistence borders on desperation, a trope not new to Telugu rom-coms.
The film picks up momentum after the interval, when Siddharth struggles to hide a secret that could shatter his bond with Eira. This part of the narrative is far more engaging, tying earlier loose ends to deeper conflicts and connecting Eira’s family issues with Siddharth’s choices. However, the generation gap angle and the idea of love breaking barriers are reminiscent of films like Yash Chopra’s Lamhe (1991) and Naga Shaurya’s Dikkulu Choodaku Ramayya (2014).
On the brighter side, the film thrives in its humor. Siddharth’s mother (Rupa Lakshmi), obsessed with Korean dramas, and his father (Naresh), who mocks his son’s romantic fantasies, deliver genuine laughs. But the true scene-stealer is Satya, whose impeccable timing and improvisation balance out the awkward premise, injecting energy into dull moments.
Among the cast, Sunaina and Vasuki provide solid support, while Sridevi Vijayakumar shines in a dual portrayal – as a sweet schoolgirl in flashbacks and as a graceful mother later. She pulls it off with ease, marking a promising comeback. Virti Vaghani is charming but written as a character far too mature for her age, while VTV Ganesh’s dialogue delivery tests patience.
Director Venkatesh Nimmalapudi brings a smart concept but struggles with execution. The film overindulges in philosophical dialogues, features too many unnecessary subplots, and is bogged down by frequent songs by Leon James and random action sequences. Nara Rohith’s static screen presence and lack of emotional depth further weaken the impact, making it hard to connect with his character.
Ultimately, Sundarakanda works best when it leans on its humor. Despite its inconsistencies and flawed treatment, the witty one-liners and supporting performances give the film a few saving graces.
Rating: 2.5/5
