Breaking News: ‘Couple Friendly’ Opens Strong on Valentine’s Day – A Heartfelt Telugu Romance Wins Over Audiences in Delhi and Beyond

Delhi, February 15, 2026 — In a season dominated by re-releases and big-budget expectations, the modest yet charming Telugu romantic drama Couple Friendly has emerged as a surprise hit, collecting an impressive ₹1.89 crore worldwide on its opening day (February 14, 2026). Released precisely on Valentine’s Day, the film starring Santosh Sobhan and Manasa Varanasi has struck a chord with couples and young audiences seeking genuine, relatable love stories amid the festive weekend.

Directed by newcomer Ashwin Chandrasekhar and produced by UV Concepts under Ajay Kumar Raju P, Couple Friendly is set against the vibrant streets of Chennai. It follows Shiva (Santosh Sobhan), a small-town guy labeled a “fit-for-nothing” by his family, who moves to the city to chase his dreams and unexpectedly finds love with a strong, independent woman (Manasa Varanasi, a former Miss India making her mark in lead roles). The narrative explores modern relationships, ambition, self-discovery, communication gaps, and emotional growth—without relying on over-the-top drama or clichés.

Critics and early viewers have praised its sincerity and grounded approach:

• The Indian Express (3/5): “Offers genuine moments and strong performances… more substantial than surface-level romance.”
• 123telugu.com (3/5): Highlighted the leads’ chemistry and emotional depth.
• GreatAndhra (2.75/5): Called it “a sincere romance with a twist” that surprises with low expectations.
• The Hindu: Described it as “mature and heartfelt,” appreciating the Chennai backdrop and realistic portrayal of 20-somethings rebuilding lives.

The film’s music by Aditya Ravindran, cinematography by Dinesh Purushothaman, and editing by Ganesh Siva add to its breezy yet emotional feel. Running at 121 minutes, it’s clean, family-friendly entertainment—ideal for date nights with no excessive violence or adult content.

In Delhi theaters like PVR and INOX, evening shows saw solid footfall from couples celebrating Valentine’s, with many sharing positive word-of-mouth on social media. For a small-budget film in a relatively quiet release window (competing with re-releases of classics like Orange, Manasantha Nuvve, and Love Story), the opening is being hailed as encouraging for emerging talents like Santosh Sobhan (son of late director Sobhan), who’s been building a niche with sincere performances.

Industry buzz suggests Couple Friendly could sustain well over the weekend, especially among youth and families appreciating honest storytelling. It’s available in Telugu (with Tamil versions in select screens) and subtitled options in some multiplexes.

If you’re in Delhi and missed the opening day, grab tickets for the ongoing shows—it’s proving to be the perfect post-Valentine’s cozy watch.