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New Indian Express
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Subham movie review: A wacky, hilarious fable about female desire and masculinity
Also the writer of Cinema Bandi, Vasanth Maringanti explores some sharp themes while scripting this madcap fable about feminism and masculinity. Subham has the kind of unique premise that could go completely haywire while indulging in its wacky possibilities — but here, the narrative constantly moves in the right direction and escalates the tension amidst its many hilarious set-pieces. Among the three male protagonists we have here, there is one of each kind — the one who is confused, the one who follows, and the one who leads. The last one (played by Srinivas Gavireddy), who also proclaims to be an 'Alpha male,' delivers the funniest moments as he gradually gets emasculated in the most uproarious of demeanors. In one of the developments, the 'Alpha' suggests a way that could help them get rid of their problem with ghosts. As that solution misfires later on, the three men learn one thing — they don't understand their wives. And at the core of it, that's what Subham is about — it redefines masculinity as the ability to understand and empathise with the women in your lives. In an amusing throwaway visual, the protagonist's friends stop him from getting down on his knees — even when he wants to make a proposal. There are bona fide commandments for being an 'Alpha,' and none of them include asking for help — something they unlearn with each hurdle in their journey of becoming a 'good husband.' Of course, Subham, for its all satirical tropes, is an optimistic movie — so the men come around. Yet, this doesn't take away from the film's biting moments of satire earlier where it takes a dig at the current obsession with 'alpha' masculinity. There are so many delightfully absurd devices at play here. In a hilarious turn of events, the two worlds, divided by a TV screen, collide as the fandom directly confront their favourite screen idol, reprimanding him for everything problematic about his long-running TV show. Even the name of the TV show — 'Janma Janmala Bandham' (a bond spanning many lifetimes) — is a fabulous dig at how the world thrives in creating a never-ending quest for peace, instead of helping cultivate a society where the viewers don't seek a closure with such desperation. Later on, as the three wives sit down to write the perfect way to exorcise their own ghosts, you wonder if the writer is making a point about giving a space to their supressed voices, creating a world where everyone is equally listened to before the big decisions are made. It's also interesting that the film stages Srivalli and her husband (Harshith Reddy) as the protagonist couple — for it also gives us a peek into the inner life of a woman who lives with her in-laws, the most common family system in the Indian middle class. At one point, Srivalli, a working woman, feels guilty of distancing her husband because of her strong-headed personality, and suddenly starts behaving like a homemaker. You feel a tinge of fear, watching this moment unfold, knowing Telugu cinema's tendencies to domesticate their 'strong women' — but that is where Subham stands apart. The writer-director team stage this moment as a momentary fear felt by Srivalli, not a permanent, personality-moulding experience. Srivalli's fears, of not being an 'ideal housewife,' should be transient — and the team knows it. Vivek Sagar deserves a special mention for his funky background music that keeps up with the manic energy of the narrative. Cinematographer Mridul Sujit Sen captures Bheemilipuram with disarming idyllicism and beauty — it looks like a town you want to settle down in, despite all its horrors. While all the lead actors — Harshith Reddy, Shriya Kontham, Gavireddy Srinivas, Charan Peri, Shravani Lakshmi, Shalini Kondepudi — put in commendable performances, Shriya and Srinivas particularly stand out. Among the ensemble cast, Rag Mayur makes a delightful appearance in a special cameo. Samantha Ruth Prabhu too flourishes in her brief cameo, bringing great deadpan humour to her scenes.
India Today
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Subham review: Samantha's first production is a sweet, offbeat horror comedy
Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu joins the growing list of stars backing new-age Telugu cinema. Her debut production, 'Subham', directed by 'Cinema Bandi'-fame Praveen Kandregula, aims to deliver something small yet significant, placing a light-hearted, slightly absurd narrative over themes rooted in everyday social observations. The promotional material positioned the film as a quirky horror-comedy with an intriguing concept. While the film broadly lives up to that promise, the treatment itself isn't entirely idea of a television serial haunting real life has been explored before, most notably in '13B', starring Madhavan and directed by Vikram Kumar. But unlike that film, 'Subham' takes a more playful, comedic route while touching on different themes. It may not dig too deep, but it stays afloat with its simplicity, innocence, and rooted in the sleepy coastal town of Vishakapatnam's Bheemili, 'Subham' follows three young men navigating their own ideas of manhood. As Srinivas prepares for his wedding, his already-married friends feed him outdated notions of masculinity, self-proclaimed 'alpha' behaviour, and confused takes on how to 'handle' women. But things take a bizarre turn on the wedding night. The fictional television serial 'Janma Janmala Bandham', which his wife is watching, starts to eerily influence real life. What follows is a quirky blend of satire, comedy, and supernatural It's a premise that sounds outlandish, but in Director Praveen Kandregula's hands, it never goes overboard. In fact, 'Subham' is surprisingly tender. The director, much like in his debut 'Cinema Bandi', leans heavily on innocence and small-town warmth. The storytelling feels lived-in. The humour is not the kind that makes you burst out laughing, but it keeps you smiling. The jokes are situational, the characters familiar, and the conflicts oddly choice of using daily soap as the supernatural trigger is both clever and culturally apt. Telugu households have long been influenced by daily serials, especially for women, where fiction and reality often feel mixed. 'Subham' turns this idea around, not to make fun of it, but to show how deep-rooted patriarchy can be, even among people who mean well. The film makes its point without being too serious or Mariganti's writing brings in both the absurdity and the message with some flair. The dialogues are witty and natural, if a bit too many in number. A fun dosa-making scene between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, and a conversation about water tanks and their quality in the first meeting are light-hearted moments that still manage to say something despite having many cute moments, the second half stretches a bit, especially when the characters try to figure out what's happening. The pacing dips, and a few scenes feel repetitive. The film could've been tighter with a shorter runtime. Samantha deserves credit for backing a concept-heavy film like this in her first outing as a producer. The production values from Tralala Moving Pictures are solid and stay true to the film's tone. However, her cameo feels oddly placed. She looks stunning, but the quirky mannerisms and styling don't land as intended. That said, the other surprise cameos blend in well and add to the fun. The horror elements may not fully deliver on the scare factor, but the makeup and CG (computer graphics) departments have done a neat job. The film works more as a comedy set against a horror backdrop than a true horror-comedy, and that feels film mixes comedy, horror, and satire. Even if the blend isn't perfect throughout, the attempt feels honest. The climax brings it all together in a sweet and simple way, using the same TV serial that caused the confusion. It avoids going overboard and ends on a warm the actors, Harshith Reddy makes the strongest impression. His comic timing and screen presence hold the film together. Shriya Kontham shines in emotional moments. The rest of the cast fits in well with the film's world. The technical side stays within its limits. Vivek Sagar's music adds a nice touch, especially in the background score.'Subham' is a light, quirky horror comedy with a good heart. It doesn't try to take itself too seriously, and that works in its favour. In a space filled with loud, big-budget films, this one feels small, simple, and refreshing.3.5 out of 5 stars for 'Subham'.
The Hindu
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘Subham' movie review: Samantha's maiden production is a hilarious genre bender
It is always a joy when a modest film swings big and lands comfortably, and Subham, a Telugu horror comedy, does just that. Marking actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu's debut as a producer, the film is directed by Cinema Bandi's Praveen Kandregula and written by Vasanth Maringanti. On the surface, it is a spooky comedy, but at heart, it is a sharp commentary on gender sensitivity — made all the more effective by smart writing and charming performances. Set in the early 2000s, in the pre-internet days of coastal Bheemili, undivided Andhra Pradesh, the story begins with a sweetly awkward pelli choopulu (an arranged marriage meet-cute) between Srinu (Harshith Reddy), a cable TV operator, and Sri Valli (Shriya Kontham), a bank employee. The backdrop — where cable still reigns while satellite TV starts inching in — adds nostalgia without overwhelming the narrative. The title Subham, a nod to the 'happy ending' title cards of old Telugu films, invites viewers to reflect on what a truly happy family looks like. Here, the answer is refreshingly modern: gender equity. Even when the script takes contemporary creative liberties, it does not feel out of place — thanks to its lightness of touch, plenty of laughs, and clever scares over a tight 125-minute runtime. Subham (Telugu) Director: Praveen Kandregula Cast: Harshith Reddy, Gavireddy Srinivas, Charan Peri, Shriya Kontham, Shravani Lakshmi, Shalini Kondepudi, and Vamshidhar Goud Run time: 125 minutes Storyline: In a small town, the women get possessed while watching a television soap. The men must find solutions and it requires them to look inward. The subtle gender commentary in Subham begins to surface early on — elders casually question Sri Valli's suitability as a bride simply because she works and does not quite fit the docile mould. Meanwhile, Srinu's friends school him in 'alpha male' behaviour, believing it is the secret to keeping their wives impressed. These moments unfold with humour, highlighting the men's cluelessness more than any toxic intent. Then, the twist: the women of the town start getting possessed while watching a melodramatic TV soap. Cue chaos. What begins as satire turns into hilariously eerie mayhem, with jumpscares and slapstick humour as men scramble to understand what's going on. Director Praveen Kandregula and writer Vasanth Maringanti anchor the film in small-town quirks — familiar chatter, cable TV nostalgia, and idiosyncratic characters. Vivek Sagar's music moves effortlessly from romance to horror, and Mridul Sen's cinematography captures the tonal shift with a deft hand. The soap opera within the film, Janma Janmala Bandham, becomes a clever narrative device. Unlike recent films that use fictional soaps as running gags (Mathu Vadalara and its sequel comes to mind), Subham lets it reflect the gender dynamics between three couples, adding weight to the madness. There are some lulls in the first half, but the pace picks up soon enough. Samantha's deadpan cameo, playing against her usual image, is brief but effective. Her silence says more than a monologue. Just when you think it might head towards a predictable resolution, Praveen and Vasanth throw in a surprise twist. If you have seen Cinema Bandi, you will enjoy the crossover even more, but it still works if you have not. This is the director's playful answer to cinematic universes, reminding us that indie films can have shared worlds too. Harshith Reddy (who stood out in Mail and Kalki 2898 AD) brings warmth to Srinu, and Shriya Kontham holds her own as a quietly assertive Sri Valli. The rest of the cast — Gavireddy Srinivas, Charan Peri, Shravani Lakshmi, Shalini Kondepudi, and Vamshidhar Goud — add to the fun without overplaying their parts. There is also delightful detail, like a character proudly claiming he watches 'Rings of the Lord'. One loose thread, though, is why the women get possessed in the first place. The film avoids giving a reason, and maybe that is for the best — some things are funnier when left unexplained. Subham is a horror-comedy with a sharp message for all the 'alpha males' out there. And it lands the punch with plenty of laughs.
Economic Times
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Samantha Ruth Prabhu starts a new career, but her saree and laughter win the day. Fans are in love all over again
Samantha's infectious laughter and vibe Samantha Ruth Prabhu about Subham You Might Also Like: Samantha Ruth Prabhu lost crores last year but has zero regrets. Actress gets brutally honest At the recent pre-release event of her upcoming film Subham Samantha Ruth Prabhu set the internet buzzing with her radiant smile and effortless elegance. The actress, known for her powerful performances and impeccable fashion sense, stole the spotlight with her vibrant energy and graceful appearance. The actress, who turned producer for the first time for Subham, kicked away Monday blues as she was seen laughing and enjoying the the event, Samantha Ruth Prabhu looked elegant in a floral printed saree featuring a mix of soft red, blue, and beige hues. The saree's intricate pattern gives it a vintage yet sophisticated charm, complemented by a delicately embroidered border. She pairs it with a sleeveless, high-neck blouse that adds a contemporary edge to her traditional attire. Her makeup is subtle and fresh, with a dewy base, soft pink lips, and defined brows that enhance her natural features. For accessories, she keeps it minimal with a stylish wristwatch and delicate earrings, letting the saree take center stage. Samantha's hair is styled in soft waves, parted at the centre, which frames her face beautifully and adds a relaxed yet polished vibe. Overall, her look strikes a perfect balance between grace and modern style, making her stand out effortlessly at the Samantha Ruth Prabhu has always been a style icon, it was her infectious laughter that truly stole the show at the Subham pre-release event. In a heartwarming moment that instantly won over fans, the actress was seen laughing freely and joyfully, a rare public display of unfiltered moment came during comedian Vamce's lighthearted rendition of the soulful track Janma Janmala Bandham, which left Samantha in splits. Having faced personal setbacks, including her much-publicised divorce from Naga Chaitanya, Samantha had chosen to stay away from the limelight for some time. But now, with a graceful smile and unshakable spirit, she seems to be stepping into a brighter chapter, embracing life with resilience, joy, and renewed Ruth Prabhu, who makes her debut as a producer with Subham, is focused on championing authentic and layered female narratives in Indian cinema. Known for her powerful roles in films like The Family Man 2, Majili, and Yashoda, the actress believes her identity as a woman naturally shapes her creative Subham, produced under her banner Tralala Moving Pictures , she aims to bring more female perspectives to the forefront. The genre-blending family entertainer, directed by Praveen Kandregula and starring Shriya Kontham and Charan Peri, marks Samantha's continued commitment to telling stories with depth and Ruth Prabhu workThe actress was last seen in Raj and DK's Citadel: Honey Bunny opposite Varun Dhawan. She is next gearing up for Maa Inti Bangaram and a Netflix series titled Rakt Brahmand: The Bloody Kingdom. As per reports, it will star Aditya Roy Kapur, Ali Fazal, Wamiqa Gabbi and Jaideep Ahlawat.
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Samantha Ruth Prabhu starts a new career, but her saree and laughter win the day. Fans are in love all over again
At the recent pre-release event of her upcoming film Subham , Samantha Ruth Prabhu set the internet buzzing with her radiant smile and effortless elegance. The actress, known for her powerful performances and impeccable fashion sense, stole the spotlight with her vibrant energy and graceful appearance. The actress, who turned producer for the first time for Subham, kicked away Monday blues as she was seen laughing and enjoying the event. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack Inside Operation Tupac: Pakistan's secret project to burn Kashmir Who is Asim Munir, the Zia-style general shaping Pakistan's faith-driven military revival 'Looking for partners, not preachers': India's strong message for EU amid LoC tensions At the event, Samantha Ruth Prabhu looked elegant in a floral printed saree featuring a mix of soft red, blue, and beige hues. The saree's intricate pattern gives it a vintage yet sophisticated charm, complemented by a delicately embroidered border. She pairs it with a sleeveless, high-neck blouse that adds a contemporary edge to her traditional attire. Her makeup is subtle and fresh, with a dewy base, soft pink lips, and defined brows that enhance her natural features. For accessories, she keeps it minimal with a stylish wristwatch and delicate earrings, letting the saree take center stage. Samantha's hair is styled in soft waves, parted at the centre, which frames her face beautifully and adds a relaxed yet polished vibe. Overall, her look strikes a perfect balance between grace and modern style, making her stand out effortlessly at the event. — Komal_Sharma11 (@Komal_Sharma11) by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Want to know more? click here Undo Samantha's infectious laughter and vibe While Samantha Ruth Prabhu has always been a style icon, it was her infectious laughter that truly stole the show at the Subham pre-release event. In a heartwarming moment that instantly won over fans, the actress was seen laughing freely and joyfully, a rare public display of unfiltered happiness. The moment came during comedian Vamce's lighthearted rendition of the soulful track Janma Janmala Bandham, which left Samantha in splits. Having faced personal setbacks, including her much-publicised divorce from Naga Chaitanya, Samantha had chosen to stay away from the limelight for some time. But now, with a graceful smile and unshakable spirit, she seems to be stepping into a brighter chapter, embracing life with resilience, joy, and renewed purpose. You Might Also Like: Samantha Ruth Prabhu praises the man who's supported her through good and bad times for 17 years. Who's Rahul Ravindran? — whynotcinemass_ (@whynotcinemass_) Samantha Ruth Prabhu about Subham Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who makes her debut as a producer with Subham, is focused on championing authentic and layered female narratives in Indian cinema. Known for her powerful roles in films like The Family Man 2, Majili, and Yashoda, the actress believes her identity as a woman naturally shapes her creative vision. With Subham, produced under her banner Tralala Moving Pictures , she aims to bring more female perspectives to the forefront. The genre-blending family entertainer, directed by Praveen Kandregula and starring Shriya Kontham and Charan Peri, marks Samantha's continued commitment to telling stories with depth and relevance.
