Telugu cinema has always had a soft spot for romance. From timeless classics to breezy rom‑coms, love stories have been a staple of the industry. But every generation demands its own version of romance — one that reflects its anxieties, aspirations, and cultural shifts. Couple Friendly, directed by Ashwin Chandrasekhar and released on Valentine’s Day 2026, is one such film. It attempts to capture the spirit of contemporary relationships while balancing humour, drama, and emotional depth.

Starring Santosh Sobhan, Manasa Varanasi, Rajeev Kanakala, and Yogibabu, the film arrives with the weight of expectation. For Sobhan, who has been searching for a solid commercial hit after Ek Mini Katha, this project is more than just another release — it’s a chance to prove himself as a leading man in the romantic genre.

A Story Rooted in Today’s Realities

The film follows Shiva (played by Santosh Sobhan), a budding architect from Nellore who moves to Chennai in search of opportunities. Along the way, he meets Ananya (Manasa Varanasi), and their relationship becomes the heart of the narrative.

What makes Couple Friendly different is its attempt to portray romance in a way that feels grounded in modern realities. The story doesn’t shy away from exploring the challenges young couples face — from career pressures to societal expectations. It’s not just about falling in love; it’s about sustaining it in a world that often feels hostile to vulnerability.

Why It Resonates

Released on Valentine’s Day, the film cleverly positions itself as a celebration of love. But it’s not just candy‑floss romance. Instead, it mixes humour with emotional drama, making it relatable to audiences who crave authenticity.

The writing leans into everyday situations — awkward first meetings, family pressures, and the balancing act between personal ambition and romantic commitment. These moments feel familiar, which is why the film connects with viewers.

Performances That Carry the Film

• Santosh Sobhan delivers a sincere performance. He plays Shiva with a mix of charm and vulnerability, making him relatable to audiences who see themselves in his struggles.
• Manasa Varanasi impresses in her debut, bringing freshness and poise to her role. Her chemistry with Sobhan is natural, and together they anchor the film’s emotional core.
• Rajeev Kanakala adds gravitas, while Yogibabu provides comic relief that lightens the narrative without derailing it.

The ensemble cast ensures that the film doesn’t feel one‑dimensional. Each character contributes to the larger theme of navigating love in a complex world.

Strengths That Shine

• Relatable Romance: The film captures the nuances of modern relationships, making it resonate with younger audiences.
• Balanced Tone: By mixing humour with emotional drama, it avoids becoming overly sentimental.
• Fresh Chemistry: Sobhan and Varanasi’s pairing feels genuine, adding credibility to the love story.

Where It Falters

• Predictable Plot: Despite its freshness, the story occasionally falls back on familiar romantic tropes.
• Pacing Issues: Some sequences linger longer than necessary, slowing down the narrative.
• Safe Choices: The film avoids taking bold risks, which might leave some viewers wanting more depth.

These shortcomings don’t ruin the experience, but they prevent the film from becoming truly groundbreaking.

Audience Takeaway

For audiences, Couple Friendly is a feel‑good Valentine’s Day watch. It’s not trying to reinvent the romantic genre, but it does succeed in making love stories feel relevant to today’s generation.

Young couples will find themselves reflected in the film’s struggles and joys, while older viewers may appreciate its sincerity. It’s the kind of movie that leaves you smiling, even if it doesn’t linger for long after the credits roll.

Final Verdict

Couple Friendly is a charming attempt to capture the spirit of modern love. It thrives on sincerity, humour, and relatable performances, even if it occasionally stumbles with predictability. For Santosh Sobhan, it’s a step in the right direction — a film that showcases his ability to carry a romantic narrative with ease.

Rating: 3.5/5 – A sweet, relatable Valentine’s Day romance that entertains without overpromising.