An unexpected meeting for the two changes their lives as one thing leads to another, and eventually the two start living together in a live-in relationship.

However, like every couple, Shiva and Mitra have issues. What's the issue? What happens to the couple in the end is the basic story.

Performances

Santosh Soban fits the role aptly as a young guy out of luck and living on parents' or others' help. The helplessness and frustration of the youngster are expressed subtly with ease. The dialogue delivery, which is one of his strengths from the start, is visible here, too.

There are the usual emotional moments towards the end, Santosh Soban is very earnest in those parts. In the end, it's an outing that would earn him praise for the choice, but it could have been much more, though.

Manasa Varanasi is also perfect for the part. Her chemistry with Santosh is the movie's mainstay. They help things stay afloat as long as there is some meat to the proceedings. Even some very routine moments are held together by them. But, there is only so much one can do when there is no help.

Analysis

Ashwin Chandrasekhar writes and directs Couple Friendly. It is a regular love story set in an urban milieu with a simple twist.

A good portion of the first half feels like watching a straight Tamil film, mainly because of the Chennai backdrop and the overall style of making. Also, the effort made to keep things authentic can't be missed, be it the language or the people we see in the setup.

The initial episodes move smoothly, but there is a clear sense of familiarity, whether it is the hero's struggles, the way the heroine meets him, or the shared living setup. It all feels slightly seen before.

That said, the characters gradually grow on you. There are several well-written moments between the lead pair, and their excellent chemistry makes many of those scenes genuinely enjoyable.

A fair share of credit goes to both the actors, as almost every scene runs on their shoulders. Their natural performances beautifully complement the neat writing. With a touch of light conflict added here and there, the authentic setting and grounded narration make the first half decently engaging overall.

From the start, a back-and-forth narrative is being built up. We know something is up around the corner, and it adds to the intrigue. A family angle is also undercurrent being developed, which is also expected to add to the drama.

Both threads happen, one after the other, in the second half. But it comes with a twist. Its here that the movie takes a divisive route.

The staging of the family drama and the twist in the tale don't land as naturally as the first half. They come across as forced and predictable in a way. The similarity with a not-so-recent Bollywood film can't be missed.

We know where the movie is headed, and the drama doesn't flow organically despite all the emotions the actors come up with. It's here that the narrative struggles while reaching the end.

Still, the sincerity in the attempt can't be missed. Even if the emotions feel artificial or forced, the approach remains grounded and natural, and there is no deviation. The familiarity is the issue.

Overall, Couple Friendly has a decent first half with a superb lead pair and naturally executed romance. The second half falters with the artificially introduced twist, but the sincerity in the attempt and honesty in making can't be missed. It makes for a passable watch if one is willing to overcome the second-half issues.

Performances by Others Actors

The main leads hog most of the screen time in the movie. The rest have very little to do except providing predictable dramatic interruptions. The parents on both sides are essayed by known faces like Rajeev Kanakala, Goparaju Raman and others. They do the required clinically, but have very cardboardish characterisations. No one really stands out, but none are bad either.

Top Tamil comedian, Yogi Babu, is seen in a limited appearance. He is alright. The rest don't have much to do.

Music and Other Departments?

Aditya Ravindran's music and the background score are good. However, it's within the narrative, and nothing actually remains memorable outside it. The cinematography choices give the movie a low-budget feel. Also, the execution lacks the big-screen appeal. The editing is okay. The writing definitely should have been better for the narrative picked here. The moments register when the writing, acting and music come together. It doesn't happen here as much as it's required, though.

Highlights?

Lead pair casting and chemistry

A few standout moments in the first half

Realistic and authentic backdrop

Drawbacks?

Completely predictable narrative

Dull and dragging second half

Boring support cast drama

Weak writing, especially in the second half

Crucial twist feels artificial

Did I Enjoy It?

Yes, the first half. The second half fails to get the desired impact due to the twist, which came across as artificial and forced. Also, the extreme familiarity with which the whole narrative progresses.

Will You Recommend It?

Yes, again for the first half and an honest attempt, and if the twist works even better. But one must keep in mind the extreme familiarity of the content, especially in the second half.

Couple Friendly Movie Reviewed by Kalyan

See how M9 Reviews operate