Sundarakanda, starring Nara Rohith, Sridevi Vijaykumar, and Virti Vaghani, is a romantic comedy that mixes humor with a delicate emotional theme. Directed by debutant Venkatesh Nimmalapudi, the film takes on an unconventional love story involving age differences, family ties, and a surprising twist that reshapes the narrative. While it shines in parts with situational comedy and strong performances, inconsistency in tone and predictability hold it back from being a memorable rom-com.
Story
Siddharth, played by Nara Rohith, is a man in his 30s who refuses to marry because no woman meets the ideal checklist of qualities he believes a partner should have. His life takes a turn when he meets Aira, a college student who seems to match his expectations. Their growing bond is soon interrupted by an unexpected twist that connects Aira to Siddharth’s past with Vaishnavi, played by Sridevi Vijaykumar. The revelation forces Siddharth to confront his choices, re-examine his beliefs about love, and face the consequences of clinging to the past.
Performances
Nara Rohith, known for intense roles, returns in a lighter character that allows him to play with humor while also handling emotional scenes. Though his performance works in parts, his subdued presence limits the impact during key moments. Virti Vaghani makes a confident impression as Aira, bringing freshness to her role even when the writing makes her appear older in thought than her age.
The real highlight of the film is Sridevi Vijaykumar. As Vaishnavi, she portrays a mother with grace and dignity, adding weight to the story without overplaying emotions. Her performance anchors the film and gives it a sense of maturity. Satya, as always, keeps the humor alive and manages to lift several stretches with his impeccable timing, making him one of the film’s biggest assets. The rest of the supporting cast, including Vasuki Anand and Naresh, lend credibility, though some actors are underutilized.
Direction and Craft
For his debut, Venkatesh Nimmalapudi chooses a bold subject and handles it with surprising maturity. He treats the age-gap romance without discomfort, relying instead on situational humor and family drama. The interval twist works well and keeps the audience curious about the outcome. The second half tends to drag with preachy dialogues and predictable resolutions, and at times the emotional weight is sacrificed for lighter comedy.
On the technical side, Leon James’s music is one of the strongest elements, with songs that fit neatly into the story and a background score that enhances emotional moments. Pradeesh Varma’s cinematography gives the film a polished look, while Rohan Chillale’s editing is functional though some scenes could have been trimmed for better flow. The production design and costumes add vibrancy, especially in the way Virti’s character is styled.
Overall Impression
Sundarakanda is not without its flaws. The core idea is engaging, the comedy works well, and Sridevi Vijaykumar’s performance adds gravitas. Yet, the film’s uneven tone, some over-the-top moments, and a predictable second half prevent it from reaching its full potential. Still, with clean entertainment and a family-friendly approach, it offers a light watch for audiences looking for a simple rom-com.
Bullseye Rating:★★★(3/5 stars)
Nara Rohith’s comeback film mixes humor and emotions in a family-friendly rom-com. Despite predictability and uneven narration, the film is held together by strong performances and situational comedy.
Sundarakanda is currently running in theatres.
