Psych Siddhartha review: A self-aware gen Z rom-com that prioritises fun over perfection
Psych Siddhartha review by Kausalya Rachavelpula
Psych Siddhartha is an unabashedly playful comedy that knows exactly who it is speaking to. Tailor-made for Gen Z audiences, the film thrives on its breezy tone, self-aware humour and an easygoing approach to romance. While it may not be flawless in its execution, it succeeds where it matters most: delivering a fun, crowd-friendly experience that works particularly well when watched with friends in a theatre.
The film does stumble slightly at the outset. The early portions have a distinctly amateurish feel, both in terms of filmmaking and presentation. At times, the visuals and pacing resemble a made-for-streaming web movie rather than a full-fledged theatrical release. This initial roughness can be mildly distracting, especially for viewers expecting a polished big-screen aesthetic. However, once the film finds its rhythm, these shortcomings gradually fade into the background.
What really lifts Psych Siddhartha is its sense of humour. The spoof elements are cleverly woven into the narrative and land effectively without feeling forced. Rather than relying solely on loud or slapstick comedy, the film often opts for situational humour and meta references that will resonate strongly with younger audiences. These moments give the film a lively personality and help maintain a consistently light mood.
At its core, the storyline is not particularly novel. It follows a familiar romantic-comedy trajectory, with themes and plot points that seasoned moviegoers will recognise instantly. Yet, the film’s strength lies in how this story is told. The narration is energetic and self-aware, embracing its predictability while still finding fresh ways to engage the audience. This approach turns a well-worn formula into something genuinely enjoyable.
Nandu, in the lead role, carries the film with visible confidence. Anyone who has seen his promotional appearances will understand why he seemed so assured about the project. On screen, he comes across as relaxed and charismatic, fitting comfortably into the film’s comic and romantic beats. His performance anchors the narrative and ensures that the humour never feels detached from the emotional core of the story.
The romantic angle is handled with surprising sweetness. Rather than becoming overly sentimental, the love story unfolds with a gentle charm that complements the film’s comedic tone. The chemistry between the leads feels natural, adding warmth to the narrative and giving audiences something to invest in emotionally, beyond the laughs.
One particularly enjoyable moment arrives in the pre-climax, where a character openly reflects on the audience’s demand for closure. This piece of dialogue stands out for its honesty and humour, breaking the fourth wall in a way that feels thoughtful rather than gimmicky. It neatly sums up the film’s self-referential style and its awareness of viewer expectations.
Despite its technical rough edges, Psych Siddhartha ultimately delivers on its promise of fun. It may not redefine the genre, but it doesn’t need to. Its aim is to entertain, and in that respect, it largely succeeds. The film’s upbeat energy, effective spoof moments and heartfelt romance make it a worthwhile watch, especially as a shared theatrical experience.
If the early amateurish touches are overlooked, there is plenty here to enjoy. With its clear appeal to younger audiences and its confident lead performance, Psych Siddhartha feels like the kind of film that could find a loyal following. One can only hope it achieves the success that its lead actor clearly believes it deserves.
