The Telugu family drama LYF: Love Your Father, which was grandly released in theaters on April 4, 2025, impressed SP Charan, son of late singer SP Balasubrahmanyam, in the lead role. Directed by Pawan Ketharaju, the film stars Sri Harsha (debut hero), Kashika Kapoor, Nawab Shah, Chatrapathi Shekhar, Raghu Babu, Shakalaka Shankar and others. Music by Mani Sharma, produced by Manisha Arts, and Annapareddy Studios, the film came to the audience with father-son bond, revenge, and mythological elements. Did this film connect me emotionally or disappoint me? Let us tell you about my feelings, film highlights, and shortcomings in this review
What is the story?
Kishore (SP Charan) is a good man who runs a supermarket and serves orphans. He earns respect by performing funerals for orphans and making donations to orphanages. His son Sidhu (Sri Harsha), a B.Tech student, is a happy-go-lucky type of guy, and is secretly in love with Sweety (Kashika Kapoor). Kishore earns money by winning horse race betting for his services. But, one day, when Kishore wins a racing event against casino owner and mafia king Kabir (Nawab Shah), Kabir gets angry and accuses Kishore of horse doping and scam. These accusations turn Kishore and Sidhu's lives upside down. Sidhu is attacked in Kashi, but the Aghoras protect him. What kind of fight does Sidhu have to make to uphold his father's name and take revenge on Kabir? How are Shiva philosophy and mythological elements intertwined in this story? You will know if you watch the movie.
My feelings: There are emotions, but the routine treatment is disconnected!
When the movie starts, the father-son bond between Kishore and Sidhu, and the services Kishore does for orphans, I felt, “Oh, this is going to be a heart-touching family drama!” Some scenes in the first half, especially Kishore’s emotional scenes and Sidhu’s college life scenes, seemed decent. Before the interval, the story becomes interesting with Kabir’s entry and doping allegations. “Maybe revenge and mythology will work out well in the second half!” I thought.
But, in the second half, the story becomes boring with its routine twists and turns. The college romance and comedy scenes seemed forced. Shakalaka Shankar, Raghu Babu's comedy failed to make us laugh. Although the mythological elements and Shiva philosophy started interestingly, the screenplay lacked impact. "If the concept was this good, it would have been better if the script had been tightened up!" I felt. The runtime of 2 hours and 27 minutes felt long. The Telugu dialogues seemed overly dramatic and routine at some places. Overall, despite the emotions and good intentions, the outdated commercial treatment and slow narration stopped the film halfway.
Technical aspects, acting
Shyam K Naidu's cinematography is so-so. Although the Kashi, college settings, and mythological scenes look decent, the visual richness is missing. Manisharma's music is a plus for the film—the BGM worked out well in some emotional scenes, but the songs were not that memorable. If Devarampati Ramakrishna and Amar Reddy Kudumula's editing had been sharper, and if 15 minutes had been trimmed in the first half, the screenplay would have been racy. Manisha Arts and Annapareddy Studios' production values are good, and the production design in the mythological scenes is good.
In acting, SP Charan scores as Kishore. His grounded performance in the emotional scenes made me feel, "Abba, Charan's acting is super!". Sri Harsha Sidhu appeared decent in his debut, sincere in the action and emotional scenes, but seemed a little stiff in the dance and romantic scenes. Nawab Shah impressed with his commanding presence as Kabir, but his role did not create full impact. Kashika Kapoor was okay as Sweety, but her role seemed dull as the love track was weak. Chatrapathi Shekhar was soso as Aghora, Raghu Babu, Shakalaka Shankar, Praveen in supporting roles, the comedy track fell flat.
SP Charan scored as Kishore in the acting. His grounded performance in the emotional scenes made us feel, “Abba, Charan’s acting is super!”. Shri Harsha Sidhu looked decent in his debut, sincere in the action and emotional scenes, but seemed a bit stiff in the dance and romantic scenes. Nawab Shah impressed with his commanding presence as Kabir, but his role did not create full impact. Kashika Kapoor was okay as Sweety, but her role seemed dull as the love track was weak. Chatrapathi Shekhar was soso as Aghora, Raghu Babu, Shakalaka Shankar, Praveen in supporting roles, and the comedy track fell flat.
Likes and Dislikes
Likes:
SP Charan's performance—His grounded acting in the emotional scenes is the biggest asset of the film.
Father-son bond—The scenes between Kishore and Sidhu are heart-touching.
Mythological elements—Shiva philosophy, Kashi setting start interestingly.
Manisharma BGM—The score elevates the emotional scenes.
Second half twists—Revenge arc, emotional resolution decent.
Dislikes:
Slow narration—College and romance scenes in the first half are stretched.
Weak screenplay—Routine twists, outdated commercial treatment.
Comedy track—Shakalaka Shankar, Raghu Babu's scenes failed to make us laugh.
Love track—Romance with Kashika Kapoor felt forced and disconnected.
Cinematography—Shyam K Naidu's visuals lacked richness.
Who should watch it?
LYF: Love Your Father is a decent watch for those who like family dramas, father-son emotional stories, and mythological thrillers. Fans of SP Charan and Sri Harsha may like it for their performances. With a UA certificate, there are some action and revenge scenes, so it will suit the family audience and youth. But, those who expect fast-paced entertainers and a strong script, this slow, routine drama may disappoint. The OTT release is not yet announced, so those in a light emotional mood in the theater can try it.
Rating: 2.25/5
LYF: Love Your Father impressed with SP Charan, Sri Harsha's performances, father-son emotions, and mythological elements. Mani Sharma's BGM, second half twists are a plus for the movie. But, slow narration, weak screenplay, routine story, forced comedy, and love track stopped the movie halfway. Family drama lovers can watch it once in the theater, but don't expect a blockbuster experience
Release Date: April 4, 2025 (Theaters)
Streaming: OTT Release Date Not Announced
Director: Pawan Ketharaju
Cast: SP Charan, Sri Harsha, Kashika Kapoor, Nawab Shah, Chatrapathi Shekhar, Raghu Babu, Shakalaka Shankar
Music: Mani Sharma
Cinematography: Shyam K Naidu