Release Date: February 20, 2026 Cast: Shiva Kandukuri, Teju Ashwini, Rajeev Kanakala, Chaitanya Krishna, and others. Director: Pramod Harsha Music: Prashanth R Vihari Cinematography: Kranthi Varla (Nawab Cafe Review)
This week, young actor Shiva Kandukuri returns to the big screen with an emotional drama titled Nawab Cafe. Originally titled Chai Wala, the film has undergone a name change and is now playing in theaters. Let’s dive into whether this cafe serves a refreshing brew or just a stale blend.
The Plot: Heritage vs. Ambition
Set against the rustic backdrop of Old City, Hyderabad, Ranganath (Rajeev Kanakala) successfully runs “Nawab Cafe,” a legacy passed down through generations. While the cafe is the pride of the family, his son Raja (Shiva Kandukuri) has zero interest in taking over the business. Raja has his own dreams and a different vision for his life.
However, life takes an unexpected turn, forcing Raja to shoulder the very responsibilities he once avoided. Can Raja save the heritage of Nawab Cafe? Does he eventually find a way to merge his dreams with his duty? That forms the core of the story.
What Works (Plus Points)
- Powerhouse Performances: Rajeev Kanakala delivers yet another stellar performance. Playing a father torn between his love for his heritage and his son’s conflicting ideologies, he brings gravity to the film. Shiva Kandukuri shows great maturity, effectively portraying two shades—a carefree youth in the first half and a responsible man in the second.
- Father-Son Dynamic: The confrontation scenes between Rajeev and Shiva are well-written. The emotional message regarding family values and respecting one’s roots hits the right notes in a few key moments.
- Production Design: The filmmakers have done a great job recreating the atmosphere of Old City. The visuals by Kranthi Varla and the production design give the movie an authentic, grounded feel.
What Doesn’t Work (Minus Points)
- Outdated Screenplay: The biggest hurdle for Nawab Cafe is its predictable screenplay. The narrative feels like a template we have seen many times before. In fact, the plot closely resembles Dhanush’s recent film Raayan (or Idli Kadai), where a protagonist is forced back into a family food business despite having other aspirations.
- Pacing Issues: The director takes far too long to get to the main conflict. The first half is bogged down by comedy scenes that fail to land and a romantic track between the leads that lacks chemistry.
- Weak Antagonist & Dialogues: Chaitanya Krishna is a talented actor, but his role as the villain is poorly etched and lacks impact. Furthermore, the dialogues are mediocre, failing to elevate the emotional scenes in the second half.
- Editing: At times, the “emotional depth” feels forced, making the second half feel a bit heavy and tedious.
Technical Aspects
Technically, the movie is a mixed bag. Prashanth R Vihari’s music is decent but not particularly memorable. While the cinematography and production values are high, the editing is loose, and the dialogue writing is a major letdown. Director Pramod Harsha shows promise in the pre-interval blocks, but the overall execution lacks the “punch” needed to keep the audience hooked.
The Verdict
Nawab Cafe is a well-intentioned emotional drama that unfortunately falls into the trap of a “seen-it-all-before” plot. While Rajeev Kanakala and Shiva Kandukuri deliver earnest performances, the sluggish pacing and routine screenplay make it a disappointing watch.
Final Thought: If you enjoy slow-burn family dramas and don’t mind a predictable story, you might give it a look for the performances. Otherwise, it’s a pass.
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