Subham Review: Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s Production Debut Delivers Quirky Comedy with Mixed Results

Tanisha Sharma May 9, 2025 2025 Telugu films, comedy horror film, Harshith Reddy, Praveen Kandregula director, Samantha Ruth Prabhu producer, Shriya Kontham, small town comedy, Subham movie review, Telugu comedy horror, Tra La La Moving Pictures

Released: May 9, 2025 | Runtime: 2 hours 5 minutes | Genre: Comedy Horror

Table of Contents

A Fresh Voice in Telugu Cinema

Today marks an important milestone for acclaimed actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu as she steps into the producer’s chair with “Subham,” the debut project from her production house Tra La La Moving Pictures. Directed by Praveen Kandregula (known for “Cinema Bandi”), this Telugu comedy horror film represents Prabhu’s vision of nurturing new talent and crafting unique storytelling experiences.

Set in the small town of Bheemunipatnam, Andhra Pradesh in 2004, “Subham” weaves an unconventional tale around three couples whose lives take an unexpected turn when a supernatural element creeps into their relationships through a popular TV show. What starts as an amusing quirk on a wedding night soon engulfs the entire village, creating a perfect setup for both hilarity and mild thrills.

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Fresh Faces Shine Bright

One of the most commendable aspects of “Subham” is Prabhu’s commitment to showcasing fresh talent. Newcomers Harshith Reddy and Shriya Kontham lead the cast with surprising confidence, bringing authenticity to their characters. The supporting ensemble featuring Charan Peri, Shalini Kondepudi, and Gavireddy Srinivas complements the leads effectively, creating a believable small-town dynamic that serves as the perfect backdrop for the unfolding supernatural comedy.

The film benefits from Vivek Sagar’s atmospheric background score that enhances both the comedic timing and the occasional thrills, while Clinton Cerejo’s songs blend seamlessly into the narrative without disrupting the flow.

A Tale of Two Halves

“Subham” starts strong with a refreshingly quirky premise and genuine laughs that establish the film’s unique voice. The first half expertly balances humor with subtle social commentary on gender dynamics and small-town idiosyncrasies. The screenplay crafts organic situations that elicit genuine laughter while establishing the supernatural framework that drives the plot forward.

However, the film’s momentum falters noticeably in the second half. What begins as an innovative concept starts to feel repetitive as similar scenarios play out with diminishing returns. At 125 minutes, the film would have benefited from tighter editing to maintain the brisk pace established in its opening hour.

Beyond the Laughs

Beneath its comedic exterior, “Subham” attempts to explore deeper themes around female desire, masculinity, and the influence of media on relationships. These elements add a welcome layer of substance to what could have otherwise been a straightforward comedy. While not all these explorations land with equal impact, the film deserves credit for attempting to say something meaningful within its genre constraints.

Director Praveen Kandregula shows a deft hand at crafting moments of both humor and poignancy, though his vision occasionally gets muddled in the film’s stretched second half. The decision to set the story in 2004 creates an interesting technological time capsule that serves the narrative well, allowing for commentary on an era when television still held massive cultural sway.

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The Verdict

“Subham” represents a promising start for Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s production venture. While not flawless, the film delivers enough fresh ideas, genuine laughs, and memorable performances to make it worth the price of admission for fans of quirky comedy with a supernatural twist.

For audiences seeking something outside the typical commercial formula, “Subham” offers a refreshing alternative that prioritizes story and character over spectacle. Despite its pacing issues, the film’s heart and humor shine through, suggesting that Tra La La Moving Pictures is a production house to watch in the coming years.

Rating: 3/5 stars

“Subham” is currently playing in theaters. Check BookMyShow or Fandango for showtimes near you.

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