Santhana Prapthirasthu Navigates Sensitive Waters with Rom-Com Charm

The latest Telugu rom-com, "Santhana Prapthirasthu," just hit screens, attempting to blend humor with the sensitive topic of male infertility. But did this unique approach truly resonate with audiences?

TL;DR: Quick Takes on Santhana Prapthirasthu

• "Santhana Prapthirasthu" is a romantic comedy exploring a young couple's journey after the husband is diagnosed with low sperm count, all while trying to win over a disapproving father-in-law.
• The film received mixed reviews, with critics praising its humor (especially the father-in-law dynamic) and the lead actors' performances, but noting issues with predictability, pacing, and the late introduction of deeper emotional arcs.
• Producer Madhura Sreedhar Reddy championed the film for addressing a topical issue in a light-hearted, family-friendly way, believing post-pandemic audiences are more open to such "content-based" subjects.

Imagine falling head over heels, tying the knot despite family resistance, and then having your hopes for a child — and a happy resolution with your father-in-law — hit a major snag due to a highly personal, often stigmatized health issue. That's the core dilemma at the heart of "Santhana Prapthirasthu," the new Telugu romantic comedy that landed in theaters on November 14, 2025.

This film promised a fresh take on a sensitive subject, attempting to tell a heartwarming story about male infertility without shying away from it or making it preachy. But delivering on that promise, especially in the often formulaic world of rom-coms, is a tightrope walk. Let's dive into whether director Sanjeev Reddy and his team managed to keep their balance.

Unpacking the Plot: Love, Laughter, and a Low Sperm Count

The story kicks off with Chaitanya (Vikranth), a soft-spoken software engineer in Hyderabad, instantly falling for Kalyani (Chandini Chowdary), a girl from Warangal. Their romance blossoms quickly, but Kalyani's father, Eshwarao (Muralidhar Goud), isn't exactly thrilled, especially about software professionals. Despite his strong opposition, Chaitanya and Kalyani marry, hoping that the arrival of a grandchild will eventually soften his stance.

However, their plans hit a major roadblock when Chaitanya discovers he has fertility issues, specifically a low sperm count. This secret, combined with Eshwarao moving in with the couple and actively trying to break up their marriage within three months, forms the crux of the narrative. Chaitanya now faces a dual challenge: improving his health within 100 days to make Kalyani a mother and winning over his relentless father-in-law.

Performances that Shine (and Some That Need More Polish)

The film's ensemble cast plays a crucial role in bringing this quirky story to life. Vikranth, in his second film after "Spark Life," shows noticeable improvement as Chaitanya. He portrays the introverted software professional dealing with a hidden struggle quite adequately, especially in comedic scenes alongside his father-in-law. However, some critics felt he still struggles with deeper emotional moments, which is vital for such a topic. Chandini Chowdary, as Kalyani, fits the "girl-next-door" role naturally and delivers a convincing performance, particularly in emotional sequences.

But the real scene-stealer, according to many reviews, is Muralidhar Goud as the disapproving father-in-law, Eshwarao. His desperate, often hilarious attempts to create distance between the couple provide many of the film's laughs. "His characterization... leaves us in splits," noted 123telugu.com (Source: 123telugu.com, "Review: Santhana Prapthirasthu – A fun take on a sensitive topic," November 15, 2025). Vennela Kishore, along with Abhinav Gomatam, adds timely humor, particularly in the second half, helping to keep the flow engaging. Tharun Bhascker, in a familiar rowdy-comic avatar, however, felt underutilized by some, despite his known comedic talent.

Behind the Scenes: Technical Touches and Tuneful Moments

On the technical front, "Santhana Prapthirasthu" offers a mixed bag. Ajay Arasada's background score received praise for elevating certain scenes, with his song "Telusa Nee Kosame" being highlighted as a standout. Sunil Kashyap also contributed to the music, with the emotional lyrical song "Mari Mari…" featuring soulful vocals by Hesham Abdul Wahab, capturing the pain of separation. While the background score generally works, opinions on the other songs were varied, with some finding them unmemorable.

Mahi Reddy Pandugula's cinematography kept the visuals pleasant and neat, although it didn't necessarily break new ground. Editing by Sai Krishna Ganala could have been sharper, particularly in the first half, as several scenes felt stretched, contributing to a noticeable dip in pacing. Production design was described as straightforward, fitting a mid-range rom-com. Interestingly, one critique mentioned the use of "AI-generated childhood portions" as an "avoidable shortcut" when simple live-action could have been more effective (Source: Satya B, "Santhana Prapthirasthu Review," November 15, 2025).

The Filmmakers' Vision: Tackling the "Taboo"

"After the pandemic, audiences' perspectives have changed. They are now supporting content-based films and are more open to bold subjects. Earlier, such discussions happened privately, but now people are willing to talk about them openly. So I’m confident about my film."

— Madhura Sreedhar Reddy, Producer (Source: The New Indian Express, "Santhana Prapthirasthu producer Madhura Sreedhar: Native is the new global," November 11, 2025)

Producer Madhura Sreedhar Reddy, returning to production after a few years, was a strong advocate for the film's theme. He revealed that he initially narrated the story to several "big actors" in Tollywood, but they hesitated due to concerns that a story about "sperm count" might affect their image. This led him to cast Vikranth, believing a relatively new face would suit the subject better.

Sreedhar emphasized that the film handles the topic of male infertility with care. "We made it as a good family entertainer and presented the subject in a light-hearted way. I don't think anyone — especially childless couples — will feel hurt after watching it," he stated. He pointed to the shift in audience preferences post-pandemic, citing a greater openness to "content-based films" and "bold subjects" as a reason for his confidence, a belief shared by lead actor Vikranth.

"Unless youngsters come up with quirky subjects, they can't grab eyeballs. And picking up a story that deals with couples who don’t have children is a step in that direction... Just like Ayushmann Khurrana in Bollywood comes up with unusual stories, he too wants to carve a similar niche."

— Vikranth, Lead Actor (Source: Filmfare, "I Wanted to Carve a Niche Like Ayushmann Khurrana: Vikranth," November 14, 2025)

Vikranth echoed this sentiment, expressing his desire to carve a niche for himself similar to Bollywood's Ayushmann Khurrana, known for tackling unconventional yet relatable social topics. He highlighted that while "Vicky Donor" dealt with sperm donation, "Santhana Prapthirasthu" focuses on a couple's struggle with low sperm count, aiming to deliver a "heartwarming family and comic caper that showcases babies shouldn't be born out of pressure, but out of love."

The Balancing Act: Humor, Heart, and Mixed Reactions

The film's ambition to be both funny and sensitive is its defining trait, but critics had mixed opinions on its execution. While some reviewers lauded director Sanjeev Reddy for handling a bold topic with humor and preventing it from becoming vulgar, others found the comedy forced and the narrative predictable. For instance, 123telugu.com praised the film for being "thoroughly entertaining" and "never crossing the line or feeling vulgar," yet Cinejosh found "overtly double-meaning dialogues" and a lack of emotional depth (Source: Cinejosh, "Santhana Prapthirasthu Review," November 14, 2025).

One common critique was that the emotional core of the film, revolving around the fertility issue, surfaced too late in the narrative. While aiming for a light-hearted approach, this delayed emotional impact made the final portions feel rushed, leaving the audience with a sense that the humor dominated the sensitive moments, rather than integrating seamlessly. This trade-off meant that while the film delivered laughs, it sometimes struggled to evoke deeper empathy for the couple's predicament.

Example: The Family Dinner Test

Imagine a typical family gathering. Chaitanya, already stressed about his condition, sits across from his father-in-law, Eshwarao. Instead of a warm chat, Eshwarao subtly brings up local news about a newly opened fertility clinic, complete with brochures, "just in case anyone needs it." Chaitanya awkwardly laughs it off, while Kalyani, unaware of his secret, just rolls her eyes at her dad's antics. This is the kind of subtly uncomfortable humor the film aims for, where the sensitive issue is constantly bubbling under the surface, creating both comedic tension and a hint of the underlying struggle.

Comparisons to films like "Vicky Donor," which successfully explored similar themes in Hindi cinema, were inevitable. However, previous Telugu remakes or films on related subjects haven't always fared well. Producer Madhura Sreedhar believes that current audiences are more receptive, but the varying critical reception suggests that while the intent was appreciated, execution for the Telugu context still faces hurdles. The film’s average rating across multiple reviews hovers around 2.25/5, indicating a "decent watch" that fell short of truly excelling.

Practical Takeaways for Movie Buffs

• If you enjoy lighthearted romantic comedies with plenty of laughs from family dynamics, especially a quirky father-in-law, this film might be for you.
• Be prepared for a narrative that prioritizes humor over deep emotional exploration, with the sensitive topic serving more as a backdrop for comedy than a central dramatic arc.
• Don't expect groundbreaking originality; the storyline, particularly in its initial romance and overall structure, feels quite predictable.
• Appreciate the film for tackling a relatively unconventional subject in mainstream Telugu cinema, even if its execution has its imperfections.
• The supporting performances, particularly from Muralidhar Goud and Vennela Kishore, are often cited as highlights that keep the film engaging.

Frequently Asked Questions About Santhana Prapthirasthu What is "Santhana Prapthirasthu" about? "Santhana Prapthirasthu" is a romantic comedy where a young software engineer, Chaitanya, marries Kalyani against her father's wishes. Their plan to have a child to win over her father is complicated when Chaitanya discovers he has low sperm count, leading to humorous and emotional challenges. Who are the main cast members of "Santhana Prapthirasthu"? The film stars Vikranth as Chaitanya and Chandini Chowdary as Kalyani. Key supporting roles include Muralidhar Goud as Kalyani's father, Eshwarao, along with Vennela Kishore and Abhinav Gomatam providing comedic relief. Is "Santhana Prapthirasthu" a family-friendly film? The filmmakers intended it as a family entertainer, aiming to present the sensitive topic of male infertility in a light-hearted and non-preachy manner. While some reviews note a comedic approach, one review mentioned "overtly double-meaning dialogues," suggesting viewer perception may vary. What is the critical reception of "Santhana Prapthirasthu"? The film received mixed reviews, with ratings generally ranging from 1.75/5 to 3/5. Critics appreciated its humor and the lead actors' performances but often pointed out predictability, pacing issues, and the delayed development of its emotional depth.

Sources:

• Satya B. "Santhana Prapthirasthu Review." Published on: 5:54 am, 15 November 2025.
• Venkat Arikatla. "Movie: Santhana Prapthirasthu Rating: 1.75/5." Published On: November 14, 2025 | UPDATED 14:38 IST.
• 123telugu Team. "Review: Santhana Prapthirasthu – A fun take on a sensitive topic." Published on Nov 15, 2025 3:01 AM IST.
• Telugu360. "Santhana Prapthirasthu Movie Review." Published on November 14, 2025 by sankar.
• RamBabu Parvathaneni. "Santhana Prapthirasthu Review." Published at: Fri 14th Nov 2025 06:14 PM IST.
• Suresh Kavirayani. "Santhana Prapthirasthu producer Madhura Sreedhar: Native is the new global." The New Indian Express, Updated on: 11 Nov 2025, 12:30 pm.
• Filmfare. "I Wanted to Carve a Niche Like Ayushmann Khurrana: Vikranth." Updated on Nov 14, 2025, 12:29 IST.
• techteam. "Emotional Song “Mari Mari…” Released from Santana Prapthirasthu." Published By: techteam, November 11, 2025 / 08:10 PM IST.