Couple Friendly Movie Review: A Promising Start Derailed by Melodrama
Released on February 14, 2026, the Telugu and Tamil bilingual film Couple Friendly presents a bittersweet romance drama that initially captivates with its authentic portrayal of urban dreams before falling into predictable narrative patterns. Directed by debutant Ashwin Chandrasekar, this 2-hour-2-minute film stars Santosh Sobhan and Manasa Varanasi in lead roles, supported by Yogi Babu, Rajeev Kanakala, and others.
A Heartwarming Beginning in Chennai's Urban Landscape
The film introduces Shiva, an aspiring interior designer from Nellore who moves to Chennai with big dreams but ends up struggling as a bike taxi driver after leaving home. His life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Mithra, an ambitious IT graduate searching for her first job in the bustling city. What begins as a casual bike ride gradually evolves into an unconventional living arrangement when Mithra faces accommodation challenges.
To alleviate financial pressures, Shiva offers to share his rented room and split expenses—a practical decision that sparks a warm, organic connection between two strangers navigating the complexities of urban life. The first half thrives on this simplicity, beautifully capturing the chaos, vulnerability, and quiet hope of young dreamers trying to establish themselves in Chennai.
Strong Performances and Authentic Chemistry
Santosh Sobhan delivers a heartfelt and restrained performance as Shiva, convincingly portraying a young man torn between pride and vulnerability. His nuanced acting brings depth to the character's journey from struggling bike taxi driver to hopeful designer. Manasa Varanasi brings considerable charm and warmth to Mithra, making her character both relatable and endearing as she supports Shiva's aspirations while pursuing her own career goals.
The chemistry between the lead actors adds refreshing sincerity to their evolving relationship. As Mithra helps Shiva take small but meaningful steps toward his interior design dreams, their companionship blossoms naturally into love. Director Ashwin Chandrasekar authentically portrays Chennai's vibrant essence, transforming the city from mere backdrop to integral character that shapes the protagonists' experiences.
A Narrative Shift into Familiar Territory
Unfortunately, the narrative takes a sharp turn in the second half when Mithra receives a terminal illness diagnosis. While this twist aims to intensify emotional depth, its treatment veers into melodrama that at times resembles overly sentimental television serials. The pacing dips noticeably during these sequences, and the family drama surrounding her condition unfolds in predictable, formulaic patterns.
What began as a refreshing slice-of-life romance gradually drifts into conventional territory, losing much of the earlier charm that made the first half engaging. The emotional beats that felt earned in the initial portions become manufactured as the film leans heavily on worn-out tropes rather than maintaining its unique perspective on urban relationships.
Directorial Promise with Room for Growth
Debutant director Ashwin Chandrasekar demonstrates clear promise with the film's refreshing and engaging first half, showcasing an ability to capture authentic urban experiences and genuine human connections. However, Couple Friendly struggles to maintain this momentum throughout, weighed down by excessive drama in its latter portions that undermines the organic storytelling established earlier.
Despite these narrative shortcomings, the film remains a sincere and commendable effort overall, particularly in its authentic portrayal of Chennai's urban landscape and the genuine chemistry between its lead actors. With both critics and users awarding it a 3.0 rating, Couple Friendly offers moments of genuine emotion and connection that make it worth watching, even as it ultimately succumbs to familiar dramatic conventions.
