Director and Writer: Ashwin Chandrasekhar
Banner: UV Concepts
Presented: UV Creations
Producer: Dheeraj Mogilineni
Music Director: Aditya Ravindran
Cinematographer: Dinesh Purushothaman
Editor: Ganesh Siva
Art Director: Michael BFA
Costume Designer: Dinesh Manoharan
Release Date : February 14,2026
Filmycycle.com Rating : ⭐⭐⭐✨
Couple Friendly : Emotionally charged love drama (3.5/5)
Hero Santosh Sobhan, who has been waiting for a solid box-office success for quite some time, returns with a youthful romantic entertainer titled Couple Friendly. Starring Manasa Varanasi as the female lead, the film is scheduled to release on February 14, 2026, but had a special night premieres held on February 13. Here’s a refined look at how Couple Friendly, is.
Synopsis:
Mithra (Manasa Varanasi), a young woman from Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, moves to Chennai in search of a job and a better future. At the same time, Shiva (Santosh Sobhan), an interior designer from Nellore, also arrives in Chennai hoping to establish his business.Their paths cross unexpectedly, and a series of circumstances brings them closer. Eventually, the duo enters a live-in relationship. What forces them into this decision? How do they handle the emotional and social complications? And what happens when their families learn about their relationship? These questions form the emotional core of Couple Friendly.
Performances:
Santosh Sobhan delivers a comfortable and natural performance, playing a relatable boy-next-door character. The role suits him perfectly, and his effortless screen presence makes the character believable.
However, the real surprise of the film is Manasa Varanasi. She shines in a layered role and brings both charm and emotional depth to Mithra. Her performance stands out and adds significant strength to the narrative.
Supporting actors, including Rajeev Kanakala and the actors portraying both families, perform convincingly and contribute well to the emotional moments of the story. Noted comedian Yogi Babu is hilarious in his short and sweet role as a mentor to Shiva at work.
Analysis:
One of the film’s biggest strengths is its grounded presentation. The hero is not introduced with exaggerated elevations or mass moments; instead, the director opts for a realistic portrayal, which works in the film’s favor.
The chemistry between Santosh Sobhan and Manasa Varanasi feels organic and engaging. The audience quickly connects with the characters, making the early portions enjoyable and heartwarming.
On the downside, the film loses some pace in the latter half. The last thirty minutes turn more serious than expected, and the entertainment quotient dips slightly during this stretch.For a film marketed as a light romantic entertainer, the tonal shift may feel surprising to some viewers.
Technical Department:
The cinematography is pleasing, capturing Chennai’s urban settings authentically and aesthetically. The editing is crisp for most parts, keeping the narrative smooth.
The music works very well and blends nicely with the emotional tone of the story, enhancing key scenes. Considering its modest budget, the production values are neat and appropriate.
Last but not least, the writing by Ashwin Chandrasekhar is neat and gripping. So as his direction. The scene order is also so engaging and makes the audience fall for the proceedings instantly.
Verdict:
Altogether , Couple Friendly is a heartfelt romantic drama aimed primarily at the youth and urban audience. Strong performances from the lead pair, especially Manasa Varanasi, along with the director’s sincere storytelling, make it a pleasant watch. The emotional moments and relatable relationship dynamics work effectively, even though the film slows down slightly toward the end.
