Telusu Kada Review: Interesting setup, underwhelming narration

What’s it about?

Varun (Siddhu Jonnalagadda) and Anjali are a happily married couple whose world turns upside down when they discover that Anjali cannot conceive due to a medical condition. Their search for hope leads them to Dr. Raaga Kumar (Srinidhi Shetty), a fertility specialist who introduces them to the option of surrogacy.

However, the story takes an unexpected turn when Raaga herself offers to be the surrogate mother. This is a shocking revelation for Varun, as she happens to be his ex-girlfriend. This decision sets off a complex emotional journey filled with secrets, dilemmas, and emotional turmoil. Why does Raaga make this deeply personal choice? Will Anjali ever uncover the truth about her? And how will the trio navigate the tangled web?

Analysis

“Telusu Kada” marks the directorial debut of stylist Neeraja Kona, who has also penned the story. The core idea blends both novelty and familiarity. 

The concept of an ex re-entering the lives of a married couple is not new. Surrogacy as a theme has also been explored in Telugu cinema earlier. In fact, the basic storyline mirrors the 2001 Hindi film “Chori Chori Chupke Chupke,” except that here the surrogate mother happens to be the hero’s former lover. Although the second half takes a slightly different route, Neeraja Kona’s premise certainly has enough potential to evolve into an engaging emotional drama. However, the narration falters.

The film needed more nuanced layers and sensible writing. Instead, the protagonist’s behaviour comes across as an extension of “DJ Tillu”. He continues to speak and react in the same tone, rather than conversing like a normal husband or former lover would in such intimate situations.

Neeraja Kona sets up the story neatly, yet seems to have fallen into the trap of catering to Siddhu Jonnalagadda’s established “Tillu” persona. This imbalance between her original intent and the hero’s image dilutes the emotional strength of the narrative, resulting in an underwhelming and disengaging experience.

The back-and-forth structure, revealing Siddhu and Srinidhi’s past while contrasting it with Siddhu and Raashi Khanna’s present married life, works well initially. However, once the truth is out and all three characters learn each other’s secrets, the film slips into a predictable zone and eventually concludes in a confusing manner.

Dialogues such as “estrogen ki antha unto testosterone ki entra unduli” and “e roju aite aadadaaniki nee badha nee kanneellu choosistavo aa roju nee juttu teesukelli daani chetilo pettinatlu” are completely out of sync with the tone of the story.

The entire “Deenamma Jeevitham” song thread and the “Seemantham” sequence, where several characters mock Siddhu’s “weak potency”, are tasteless and misplaced.

Neeraja Kona handles the first half and certain scenes with competence, but later gives in to familiar commercial tropes.

There are several illogical and contradictory dialogues and scenes. For instance, when the couple is desperately trying for pregnancy, why are they suddenly shown worrying about condoms? What is the relevance of discussing the shortage of condoms in that context? Similarly, once Srinidhi’s character becomes pregnant through artificial insemination using Siddhu’s character’s sperm, why does everyone continue to joke about his lack of potency? And if that method was successful, why does no one question Raashi Khanna’s character for not opting for the same procedure instead of bringing in a surrogate?

As a performer, Siddhu Jonnalagadda needlessly goes loud and appears unable to break free from his “Tillu” hangover. Raashi Khanna and Srinidhi Shetty deliver decent performances. Harsha plays the routine sidekick.

On the technical front, the film benefits from strong cinematography, a couple of catchy songs, and solid production values. However, the editing lacks sharpness.

Bottom line: “Telusu Kada” offers a promising premise on the surface, but the execution lacks the emotional depth and narrative clarity required to hold interest.

Rating: 2.5/5

By Jalapathy Gudelli

Movie: Telusu Kada
Cast: Siddhu Jonnalagadda, Raashi Khanna, Srinidhi Shetty, Viva Harsha, and others
Music: Thaman S
Director of Photography: Gnana Shekar VS
Editor: Navin Nooli
Production Designer: Avinash Kolla
Producers: TG Vishwa Prasad, Krithi Prasad
Written and directed by: Neerraja Kona
Release Date: October 17, 2025