Nari Nari Naduma Murari Movie Review: A Refreshing Modern Spin on a Classic Comedy Template
The Telugu film industry has a long-standing tradition of Sankranthi releases that prioritize laughter, family dynamics, and light-hearted romance. Nari Nari Naduma Murari (2026), directed by Ram Abbaraju, arrives as a spiritual successor to the light-hearted urban comedies of the past while carving its own niche in the contemporary landscape. Following the massive success of his previous outing, Samajavaragamana, Abbaraju returns with a film that balances situational irony with emotional maturity, starring Sharwanand, Samyuktha, and Sakshi Vaidya.
| Feature | Details |
| Release Date | January 14, 2026 |
| Director | Ram Abbaraju |
| Lead Cast | Sharwanand, Samyuktha, Sakshi Vaidya, Sree Vishnu (Cameo) |
| Genre | Romantic Comedy / Family Drama |
| Runtime | 145 Minutes |
| Production House | AK Entertainments |
| Music Director | Vishal Chandrasekhar |
Full Plot Synopsis: A Knotty Tale of Unintended Complications
The narrative of Nari Nari Naduma Murari follows Gautham (Sharwanand), a pragmatic young architect who finds himself in the crosshairs of generational conflict and legal technicalities. The story kicks off with a bold subversion of typical family drama: Gautham’s widowed father, Karthik (VK Naresh), decides to marry Pallavi (Siri Hanumanth), a woman significantly younger than him. While society scoffs, Gautham stands by his father’s happiness, establishing a refreshing “bro-daddy” bond.
However, this progressive stance backfires when Gautham seeks to marry his girlfriend, Nithya (Sakshi Vaidya). Nithya’s father, Ramalingaiah (Sampath Raj), a cynical lawyer, is wary of Gautham’s family values. He sets a condition: the couple must undergo a simple register marriage to prove their commitment without the “noise” of tradition.
The conflict ignites at the Marriage Registrar’s office. The Registrar (Sunil) drops a bombshell—Gautham is already legally married. The records point to a forgotten chapter from his college days with Dia (Samyuktha). As it turns out, a youthful act of rebellion had legally bound them, though they parted ways shortly after.
Gautham’s journey to secure a divorce without alerting Nithya becomes a comedic minefield. He tracks down Dia, only to find she has moved on, leading to a series of “pulihora” moments—awkward situational comedy—and deep introspection about honesty. The second half shifts focus toward the professional and personal entanglement as the characters navigate the legal hurdles and family expectations. The climax moves away from the usual “who will he choose?” trope and focuses on the integrity required to sustain a lifelong partnership.
Detailed Critique: Analysis of Direction and Craft
Direction and Screenplay
Ram Abbaraju reinforces his reputation as a master of situational humor. Unlike many modern rom-coms that rely on slapstick or loud caricatures, the screenplay of Nari Nari Naduma Murari finds humor in the mundanity of lies and the absurdity of social perceptions. The pacing in the first half is electric, though the second half experiences minor “drag” as the plot circles the divorce proceedings. However, the dialogue writing—sharp, witty, and culturally relevant—keeps the audience engaged.
Acting Performances
Sharwanand is in his element here. After a string of serious roles, his return to the “boy next door” persona is a breath of fresh air. He navigates Gautham’s panic and sincerity with equal ease. Sakshi Vaidya brings grace to Nithya, moving beyond a “glamour-only” role to showcase a woman of firm principles.
The surprise package is Samyuktha. Her portrayal of Dia is dignified; she isn’t a villain or a standard “ex-girlfriend” trope but a woman with her own agency. VK Naresh steals every scene he is in. His portrayal of a man finding love at 60 is both hilarious and heartwarming, serving as the film’s strongest comedic pillar.
Visuals and Sound
The cinematography by Gnana Shekar V.S. captures the vibrant urban landscapes with a clean, polished palette. On the musical front, while Vishal Chandrasekhar provides a background score that accentuates the comedy, the soundtrack lacks a standout “chartbuster,” which remains a slight missed opportunity for a film of this scale.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
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Strong Situational Comedy: The humor feels organic and rooted in the characters’ dilemmas rather than forced punchlines.
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Progressive Themes: The film handles late-age remarriage and the complexities of past relationships with maturity rather than judgment.
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Ensemble Cast: Supporting actors like Vennela Kishore and Satya provide consistent laughs throughout the runtime.
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Relatable Conflict: The “legal hurdle” of a forgotten marriage is a fresh take on the romantic comedy genre.
Weaknesses
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Second-Half Pacing: Some sequences involving the legal battle feel repetitive and could have been trimmed.
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Musical Impact: The songs are functional but fail to leave a lasting impression post-viewing.
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Convenient Resolutions: A few plot points are resolved a bit too neatly to maintain the “light-hearted” festive tone.
Final Verdict
Nari Nari Naduma Murari is a well-crafted, clean family entertainer that succeeds in being both funny and thoughtful. It avoids the pitfalls of toxic “triangle” tropes and instead offers a mature look at honesty in relationships. It is a perfect festive watch that caters to both the youth and the older generation seeking wholesome entertainment.
Final Rating: 3.25 / 5 Stars