Sunking at 23:20, 15 April 2026

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{{Short description|2026 Indian Telugu-language film}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2026}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2026}}

{{Infobox film
| name = Couple Friendly
| image = Couple Friendly.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = Ashwin Chandrasekar
| producer = Ajay Kumar Raju P
| writer = Ashwin Chandrasekar
| starring = {{Plainlist|
* [[Santosh Sobhan]]
* [[Manasa Varanasi]]
}}
| music = Aditya Ravindran
| cinematography = Dinesh Purushothaman
| editing = Ganesh Siva
| studio = {{ubl
| UV Concepts
| VR Global Media
}}
| distributor = Dheeraj Cinema
| released = {{Film date|df=yes|2026|2|14}}
| runtime = 121 minutes<ref name="THR"/>
| country = India
| language = Telugu
| budget = 
| gross = ₹14 crore<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 March 2026 |title='Couple Friendly' OTT release: Where to stream Santosh Sobhan and Manasa Varanasi's romantic drama |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/couple-friendly-ott-release-where-to-stream-santosh-sobhan-and-manasa-varanasis-romantic-drama/articleshow/129567186.cms |access-date=23 March 2026 |website=[[The Times of India]] |language=en |archive-date=15 March 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260315013131/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/couple-friendly-ott-release-where-to-stream-santosh-sobhan-and-manasa-varanasis-romantic-drama/articleshow/129567186.cms |url-status=live}}</ref>
}}

'''''Couple Friendly''''' is a 2026 Indian [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-language [[romantic drama]] film written and directed by Ashwin Chandrasekar. It is produced by Ajay Kumar Raju P under the banners of UV Concepts and VR Global Media.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Celebrities confident Santosh Sobhan will score big |url=https://telugucinema.com/news/celebrities-confident-santosh-sobhan-will-score-big/amp |website=[[Telugucinema.com]] |date=13 February 2026 |language=en}}</ref> The film stars [[Santosh Sobhan]] and [[Manasa Varanasi]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Harsh |first=B. H. |title=Couple Friendly teaser: A chance encounter paves way for a passionate relationship between two strangers |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/amp/story/telugu/news/2025/Aug/09/couple-friendly-teaser-a-chance-encounter-paves-way-for-a-passionate-relationship-between-two-strangers |work=[[Cinema Express]] |date=8 August 2025 |language=en}}</ref>

''Couple Friendly'' was released theatrically on 14 February 2026, coinciding with [[Valentine's Day]].

== Plot ==
Siva Sai Prathap (Santosh Shobhan) is an easy-going man who moves to [[Chennai]] from [[Nellore]] under family pressure to find a job as an interior designer. To support himself, he works as a bike taxi rider.

Mithra (Manasa Varanasi) from [[Chittoor]] is searching for a job as a software engineer in Chennai. After several unsuccessful attempts, she meets Siva. Having to vacate her accommodation, Mithra struggles to find a new place. Siva accompanies her as they search across Chennai, but with no success. He eventually offers her a place to stay at his home so they can share the rent, and she reluctantly agrees.

Mithra helps Siva build a professional profile for his interior design work. He soon lands a small project, completes it successfully, and gradually secures more contracts. While continuing her job search, Mithra assists Siva with his work, and their relationship gradually blossoms into love. They move into a larger apartment, and Mithra asks Siva to speak to her father about their marriage. However, a misunderstanding leads to an argument, and Mithra moves out to stay with her friend Preethi.

Meanwhile, Siva's family arrives in Chennai for his sister-in-law's medical treatment. Around the same time, Mithra's parents visit the city to arrange a marriage alliance for her. Realising Mithra's importance in his life, Siva meets her, and they reconcile at Preethi's apartment. However, they are discovered by Mithra's parents.

Both families meet at a restaurant, where Siva's parents express their approval of the relationship. Mithra's father, however, refuses to accept it and takes her back to their hometown. Mithra falls into severe emotional distress and is later hospitalised. She is diagnosed with a [[Frontotemporal dementia|frontotemporal memory disorder]] and remains under treatment for six months, during which Siva cares for her devotedly.

At Mithra's request, Siva takes her to [[Kerala]] to help her recover outside the hospital environment. Their bond deepens, but her condition gradually worsens. Their families visit them in Kerala during this time.

Eventually, Mithra's father recognises Siva's genuine love for her. However, Mithra's condition deteriorates further, and she loses her memory completely before passing away.

After her death, Siva reads a diary written by Mithra on the terrace of their former home. In it, she encourages him to move forward in life.

The film concludes with the message: "Life is all about sudden goodbyes, handle with care."

== Cast ==
{{Cast listing|
* [[Santosh Sobhan]] as Siva Sai Prathap
* [[Manasa Varanasi]] as Mithra
* [[Rajeev Kanakala]] as Mithra's father
* [[Goparaju Ramana]] as Siva's father
* Dheeraj Reddy as Siva’s brother
* [[J. Livingston|Livingston]] as M. Thumbathigam Sekar
* [[Yogi Babu]] as Shankar Anna
* [[Sunil Reddy]] as Raghu, Preethi’s boyfriend
* Narasimha
* Bhargav Ram
* Vijay Vallabhaneni
* [[Sriranjani (Tamil actress)|Sriranjani]] as Mithra's mother
* Pramodini Pammi as Siva’s mother
* [[Anjali Nair (actress, born 1988)|Anjali Nair]] as Siva's sister-in-law
* Fouziee as Preethi, Mithra’s friend
* Himaa Varma
* Dharani V.
* Savithri as Hostel Warden
;Uncredited
* [[Arthana Binu]] as Shailu, Siva's ex-girlfriend (cameo appearance)
* Rishikanth as Karthik, Mithra’s fiancee
}}

== Production ==
Ashwin Chandrasekar wrote the script in [[Tamil language|Tamil]], which was later translated into Telugu, with the crew improvising the dialogues during filming.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |title=Manasa Varanasi finding her frame |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/cities/hyderabad/2026/Feb/14/manasa-varanasi-finding-her-frame |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=6 February 2026 |language=en |archive-date=14 February 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260214210046/https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/cities/hyderabad/2026/Feb/14/manasa-varanasi-finding-her-frame |access-date=14 February 2026 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In May 2025, Santosh Sobhan stated in an interview that filming for ''Couple Friendly'' was in its final stage.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vennapusala |first=Ramya |title=Santosh Sobhan: The art of storytelling has always spoken to me |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/cities/hyderabad/2025/May/08/santosh-sobhan-the-art-of-storytelling-has-always-spoken-to-me |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=6 May 2025 |language=en}}</ref>

Principal photography took place in [[Chennai]], Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sistu |first=Suhas |title=Santosh Sobhan’s ‘Couple Friendly’ gears up for bilingual release |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/amp/cinema/santosh-sobhans-couple-friendly-gears-up-for-bilingual-release-987521 |work=[[The Hans India]] |date=12 July 2025 |language=en |archive-date=16 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250716053257/https://www.thehansindia.com/amp/cinema/santosh-sobhans-couple-friendly-gears-up-for-bilingual-release-987521 |access-date=14 February 2026 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The film's distributor, Dheeraj Mogilineni,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Dheeraj Mogilineni acquires Telugu distribution rights of Couple Friendly |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/amp/story/telugu/news/2026/Jan/31/dheeraj-mogilineni-acquires-telugu-distribution-rights-of-couple-friendly |work=[[Cinema Express]] |date=6 January 2026 |language=en}}</ref> stated that the film received an 'A' certificate from the [[Central Board of Film Certification]] due to its title.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |title=Dheeraj Mogilineni: Couple Friendly got A certificate because of the title |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/entertainment/telugu/2026/Feb/11/telugunews2026feb10dheeraj-mogilineni-couple-friendly-got-a-certificate-because-of-the-title |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=4 February 2026 |language=en}}</ref>

== Music ==
The music was composed by Aditya Ravindran.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Couple Friendly – All Songs |url=https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/couple-friendly/ol1DVEtDMiQ_ |website=[[JioSaavn]] |date=14 February 2026}}</ref>

{{Track listing
| headline = Track listing
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| total_length = 23:51
| title1 = O Nesthamai
| length1 = 2:52
| lyrics1 = Rehman
| extra1 = Aditya Ravindran
| title2 = Naa Praanam
| length2 = 4:10
| lyrics2 = Purna Chary
| extra2 = [[Kapil Kapilan]]
| title3 = Varaale Panche
| length3 = 3:12
| lyrics3 = Rehman
| extra3 = [[Pradeep Kumar (musician)|Pradeep Kumar]]
| title4 = Gaabara Gaabara
| length4 = 2:50
| lyrics4 = [[Rakendu Mouli]]
| extra4 = [[Santhosh Narayanan]]
| title5 = Naalo Nenu
| length5 = 3:05
| lyrics5 = [[Ramajogayya Sastry]]
| extra5 = [[Sanjith Hegde]], Aditya Ravindran
| title6 = Naa Kallalo
| length6 = 3:24
| lyrics6 = Rakendu Mouli
| extra6 = [[Shakthisree Gopalan]]
| title7 = Naato Raa Ila
| length7 = 2:28
| lyrics7 = Purna Chary
| extra7 = Kapil Kapilan
| title8 = Baundhi Baandham
| length8 = 1:50
| lyrics8 = Rakendu Mouli
| extra8 = [[Sublahshini]]
}}

== Release ==
''Couple Friendly'' was released theatrically on 14 February 2026.<ref>{{cite news |title=Couple Friendly set for Valentine’s Day theatrical release |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/entertainment/telugu/2026/Jan/08/telugunews2026jan07couple-friendly-set-for-valentines-day-theatrical-release |work=The New Indian Express |date=11 January 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Santosh Sobhan and Manasa Varanasi's Couple Friendly trailer is out |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/amp/story/telugu/news/2026/Feb/03/santosh-sobhan-and-manasa-varanasis-couple-friendly-trailer-is-out |work=Cinema Express |date=3 February 2026 |language=en}}</ref>

== Reception ==
Sandeep Athreya of ''[[Sakshi Post]]'' rated the film 3.25 out of 5 stars and wrote, "While the second half may not fully match the emotional depth of the first, the film’s honesty, grounded storytelling, and the lovely chemistry between the leads make it a worthwhile watch."<ref>{{Cite news |title=Couple Friendly Review: Honest Relationship Drama That Works Well |url=https://m.sakshipost.com/news/entertainment/couple-friendly-review-honest-relationship-drama-works-well-477413 |work=[[Sakshi Post]] |date=14 February 2026 |language=en}}</ref>

Yashaswini Sri of ''[[The Indian Express]]'' rated the film 3 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Ashwin Chandrasekar's latest offers genuine moments and strong performances but suffers from a familiar plot and jarring tonal shifts."<ref>{{Cite news |title=Couple Friendly movie review: Santosh Sobhan-Manasa Varanasi’s romance works despite familiar territory |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/couple-friendly-movie-review-santosh-sobhan-manasa-varanasi-romance-works-familiar-territory-10531460/ |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=14 February 2026 |language=en}}</ref>

Srivathsan Nadadhur of ''[[The Hindu]]'' wrote, "''Couple Friendly'' may not boast a novel plot, but its narrative rhythm is refreshingly mature and modern. It treats both its protagonists as equals and values the minutiae of their lives as well as the big dreams."<ref name="THR">{{Cite news |last=Nadadhur |first=Srivathsan |title=‘Couple Friendly’ movie review: Santosh Sobhan, Manasa Varanasi’s romance drama is mature and heartfelt |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/couple-friendly-movie-review-santosh-soban-manasa-varanasis-romance-drama-is-set-in-chennai/article70623347.ece |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=14 February 2026 |language=en-IN |archive-date=16 February 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260216105313/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/couple-friendly-movie-review-santosh-soban-manasa-varanasis-romance-drama-is-set-in-chennai/article70623347.ece |access-date=14 February 2026 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Jalapathi Gudelli of ''[[Telugucinema.com]]'' rated the film 2.75 out of 5 stars and wrote, "''Couple Friendly'' works because of its engaging first half and emotionally effective climax. The twist feels familiar due to a recent [[Saiyaara (film)|Bollywood blockbuster]], yet the treatment and sincere performances make it a decent watch."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Couple Friendly Review: A decent romantic drama |url=https://telugucinema.com/reviews/couple-friendly-review-a-decent-romantic-drama |website=[[Telugucinema.com]] |date=14 February 2026 |access-date=14 February 2026 |archive-date=14 February 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260214210045/https://telugucinema.com/reviews/couple-friendly-review-a-decent-romantic-drama |url-status=live}}</ref>

A critic from ''[[Eenadu]]'' also reviewed the film.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Couple Friendly Review: ‘కపుల్‌ ఫ్రెండ్లీ’ రివ్యూ.. ప్రేమకథ మెప్పించిందా |url=https://www.eenadu.net/telugu-news/movies/couple-friendly-movie-review-telugu/0203/126027983 |work=[[Eenadu]] |date=14 February 2026 |language=te}}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb title}}

[[Category:2026 films]]
[[Category:2026 Indian films]]
[[Category:2026 romantic drama films]]
[[Category:2026 Telugu-language films]]
[[Category:Telugu-language romantic drama films]]
[[Category:Films shot in Chennai]]
[[Category:Films set in Chennai]]

Couple Friendly - Revision history

Sunking at 23:20, 15 April 2026