Kotha Malupu Movie Review
Movie: Kotha Malupu
Release Date: 12 June 2026
Banner: Tathasthu Creations
CBFC Rating: UA
Run-time: 2h 16m
Cast: Akash Goparaju, Bhairavi Ardhya, Mahendhar, Prabhavathi, Raghubabu, Prudvi, Kittayya, and Others
Music by Yaswanth Nag
Editing: Siva Sharvani
Cinematography: Jawahar Reddy & Sumanth Kacharla
Produced by Tati Balakrishana.
Written & Directed by Siva Vara Prasad.K
Popular singer Sunitha’s son Aakash Goparaju returns with his second film Kotha Malupu, directed by Shiva Varaprasad Kesanakurthi. Produced by Tati Balakrishna under Tathasthu Creations, the film arrived in theaters on June 12, 2026. Set in the lush Godavari region, the movie blends romance, family emotions, comedy and a touch of suspense. The team promised a clean entertainer that speaks about misunderstandings in relationships, and the film largely delivers on that promise. With scenic visuals and a relatable message, it positions itself as a weekend watch for families and young audiences.
Plot
Kamal, played by Aakash, is a carefree Hyderabad youngster who enjoys life with friends. He travels to a picturesque village in East Godavari for a family wedding and immediately connects with Varalakshmi, a charming village girl played by Bhairavi Ardhya. One night Kamal lands in an awkward situation and an unknown girl rescues him. His search for that mysterious girl leads him closer to Varalakshmi, and as they spend time together, love naturally develops between them. The conflict arises when Kamal finds a photograph of Varalakshmi with another young man before he realizes she is the one who saved him. Doubts creep in, and the rest of the story follows how they deal with suspicion, trust, and the weight of the past. The film uses this simple premise to highlight how communication can save relationships.
Performances
The biggest strength of Kotha Malupu lies in its cast. Aakash Goparaju shows clear growth as an actor. In the first half he is breezy and energetic, carrying the carefree vibe of Kamal with ease. His body language, comic timing with friends, and expressions during lighter moments feel natural. In the second half, when the character battles insecurity and emotional pain, Aakash shifts gears convincingly. The climax scenes, where he has to balance anger, hurt, and eventual understanding, are handled with sincerity. His screen presence has improved, and he holds the frame well opposite experienced actors.
Bhairavi Ardhya is the heart of the film. As Varalakshmi, she brings a rare innocence and authenticity. Her eyes and subtle expressions convey more than dialogue in many scenes. The way she portrays a village girl’s shyness, confidence, and emotional turmoil feels lived-in rather than acted. She particularly shines in the confrontation and climax portions, where her performance adds weight to the film’s message about judging people by their present, not their past.
Raghu Babu and Prithvi deliver one of the film’s most enjoyable tracks. Their comedy, rooted in the Godavari dialect and local mannerisms, keeps the mood light without overpowering the main plot. Their timing and reactions land consistently and provide relief during tense moments. Siddu as Gopi handles the turning-point character with confidence. Supporting actors like Mahendhar and Prabhavathi add warmth to the family portions and ground the emotional scenes. Overall, the performances feel grounded and add to the film’s sincere tone.
Highlights
Godavari Visuals
Lead Pair Chemistry
Comedy Timing
Climax Message
Drawbacks
Slow Pacing
Predictable Track
Analysis
The first half of Kotha Malupu sets a fresh, breezy tone. Director Shiva Kesanakurthi introduces Kamal’s world with wedding celebrations, friend banters, and the colorful backdrop of Konaseema. The romance between Kamal and Varalakshmi is built through small, believable moments rather than forced situations. The mystery of the unknown girl who saves Kamal adds curiosity, while Raghu Babu and Prithvi’s comedy track keeps the pace engaging. The village atmosphere is captured with honesty, and the film uses familiar beats in an effective way. The shift in the second half moves the story toward emotional drama. Here the focus turns to how suspicion can damage love and why understanding a person’s present is more important than digging into their past. The conflicts feel relatable, and the climax drives home a message that will resonate with today’s youth without sounding preachy.
Technically, the film is polished. Yashwanth Nag’s music and background score support the narrative well. The songs blend with the village setting, and the score elevates emotional beats, especially in the second half. Cinematography by Jawahar Reddy and Sumanth Kacharla is a major highlight. The Godavari landscapes, rivers, fields, and house sequences are shot with care, making every frame visually pleasing. Editing by Siva Sharvani keeps the storytelling smooth, and production values by Tathasthu Creations are rich for the scale. Director Shiva Varaprasad handles the material with restraint and focuses on emotions over melodrama. In conclusion, Kotha Malupu works because it stays sincere. It is a clean romantic drama that reminds us faith and conversation are the foundation of any relationship. With strong performances, good visuals, and a positive message, it makes for a satisfying family watch.
Rating: 3/5
Bottom-line: A Refreshing Feel-Good Romance
