Last updated: 3 May 2026


A Cliché Love Story
Telugu · Comedy, Romance
1h 56m · 23 Feb 2018
Music: Prakash Alex | DOP: Binendra Menon | Writer: Summesh Maddhu, Rajesh Nair, Rajesh Radhakrishnan
Ratings
Our Rating
2.25
Kalyanam is a Telugu romantic comedy that revolves around the life of a young man navigating the complexities of love and marriage. The story explores the cultural nuances and familial expectations surrounding arranged marriages in South India, blending humor with emotional moments. The narrative follows the protagonist's journey as he encounters various obstacles and misunderstandings, ultimately leading to self-discovery and resolution in relationships.
Kalyanam offers a light-hearted take on the institution of marriage, with a storyline that is simple yet relatable. The screenplay maintains a steady flow, though the pacing tends to slow down in the second half, affecting the overall engagement. The first half is more entertaining with situational comedy and character introductions, while the second half leans towards emotional drama, which may feel slightly dragged for some viewers.
The songs and music by Prakash Alex complement the film's mood well, with melodious tracks that fit the romantic and festive sequences. The background score is subtle and supports the narrative without overpowering the scenes. Cinematography by Binendra Menon captures the vibrant settings effectively, adding to the visual appeal.
Overall, the film works better as a casual watch with its blend of humor and sentiment, though it lacks the depth and novelty to make a lasting impact. The direction by Usha Rajesh and Rajesh Nair is competent but could have benefited from tighter editing and a more engaging screenplay in the latter half.
Shravan Mukesh: Delivers a sincere and earnest portrayal of the protagonist, effectively conveying the character's dilemmas.
Varsha Bollamma: Provides a charming and natural performance, adding freshness to the romantic track.
Dharmajan Bolgatty: Offers comic relief with his timing and expressions, enhancing the lighter moments.
Sreenivasan: Brings experience and subtle humor to his role, adding depth to the supporting cast.
Strengths
Weaknesses
The direction by Usha Rajesh and Rajesh Nair is straightforward and focused on delivering a family-friendly romantic comedy. While the narrative is coherent, the film suffers from uneven pacing and a lack of engaging twists. The writing is simple and caters to a niche audience that enjoys light-hearted marital dramas.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 40% |
| Neutral | 35% |
| Negative | 25% |
Critics generally found Kalyanam to be a decent entertainer with good performances and music but criticized its slow second half and predictable plot. The film was appreciated for its cultural portrayal but was noted to lack freshness in storytelling.
Final Box-Office Result
Kalyanam released on 23 February 2018 (2018).
Kalyanam is declared a FLOP at the box office.
Kalyanam OTT release date not announced yet.
Kalyanam directed by Usha Rajesh, Rajesh Nair. Produced by K.K. Radha Mohan.
Kalyanam stars Shravan Mukesh, Varsha Bollamma, Dharmajan Bolgatty, Sreenivasan, Mukesh.
Tollybo rates Kalyanam 2.25/5. Verdict: FLOP.
Music for Kalyanam composed by Prakash Alex.
Kalyanam — Genre: Comedy, Romance, Runtime: 116 minutes, Language: Telugu.