Couple Friendly: A Realistic Take on Young Love and Life
Couple Friendly is a Telugu romantic drama that aims to balance heartfelt emotions with the everyday struggles of its protagonists, offering something a bit different from typical Valentine’s Day fare. Directed by Ashwin Chandrasekar and headlined by Santosh Sobhan and Manasa Varanasi, the film presents love not as an idealised fantasy but as an evolving partnership rooted in real life challenges and personal growth.
Right from the start, the film establishes relatability as its strongest suit. Shiva (played by Santosh Sobhan) is not the stereotypical confident hero, he’s a young man with dreams, anxieties, and the frustration of trying to make a name for himself in Chennai while juggling various odd jobs. Mithra (Manasa Varanasi), on the other hand, is driven and independent, navigating her own professional pressures and personal aspirations. Their initial interactions feel grounded and genuine, and it’s this slow yet sincere build-up of chemistry that gives the film its warmth.
One of the film’s notable strengths is how it treats its lead characters as individuals with their own arcs, rather than merely romantic foils for each other. Mithra, especially, stands out, her spirited performance brings vitality to the narrative and often outshines the more introspective Shiva. Their connection grows through shared experiences and mutual support rather than through cliched song montages or forced romantic beats.
Technically, the film shines in its cinematography and authentic setting. Shot in real locations around Chennai, with Tamil naturally woven into the ambient soundscape, the visuals capture the city’s texture in a way that feels immersive and genuine. The choice enhances the storytelling, giving the romance a lived-in atmosphere rather than a glossy, fictional sheen. The background score and songs, while not overpowering, further enhance the emotional cadence of key moments.
However, where Couple Friendly aims for maturity, it occasionally falters in execution. The second half shifts into heavier emotional territory, introducing family drama and plot twists that contrast sharply with the breezier, character-focused first half. This tonal shift can feel abrupt, leaving some viewers wishing for smoother transitions in pacing and mood. Certain plot developments also evoke familiar beats from other romantic dramas, which undermines the film’s attempt at fresh storytelling.
Despite these flaws, the film’s heart lies in its authenticity. It doesn’t shy away from portraying the complexities of modern relationships, the push and pull between personal dreams and societal expectations, the uncertainty of early careers, and the emotional labour that goes into truly understanding another person. Santosh’s performance carries quiet hope and vulnerability, while Manasa’s portrayal brings lightness and resolve; together they anchor the film in a believable emotional core.
Couple Friendly may not revolutionise the romance genre, but it offers a refreshingly honest look at young love, one that resonates because it feels like relationships you’ve seen, felt, or lived. It’s a decent watch for audiences who prefer character-driven stories over glossy fantasies, even if it stumbles in narrative rhythm at times.
