Nawab Cafe Movie Review
Title: Nawab Cafe
Release Date: 20 Feb 2026
Banner: Harshika Productions
CBFC Rating: UA
Run-time: 2h 17m
Cast: Shiva Kandukuri, Teju Ashwini, Rajeev Kanakala, Chaitanya Krishna, Rajkumar Kasireddy, and Vadlamani Srinivas
Music Director: Kapil Kapilan (additional music by Prashanth R Vihari and Kaala Bhairava)
Editing: Pawan Sarva
Cinematography: Kranti Varla
Producer: Radha V Papudippu
Director: Pramod Harsha
Nawab Cafe, directed by Pramod Harsha, is a heartwarming film that showcases the greatness of chaiwalas and the importance of preserving one’s heritage. The movie revolves around Raja (Shiva Kandukuri), a young man who wants to leave his family’s tea cafe behind and pursue his dreams in America. The film released in theatres on February 20.
Plot
Raja’s (Shiva Kandukuri) life takes a dramatic turn when his father Ranganath (Rajeev Kanakala) dies, and he is forced to confront his past and his true passion for the family business. With the help of his girlfriend Sakhi (Teju Ashwini), Raja must navigate the complexities of his family’s legacy and fight to save the Nawab Cafe from falling into the wrong hands.
Performances
Shiva Kandukuri delivers a commendable performance as Raja, showcasing his growth as an actor. Teju Ashwini is impressive in her role as Sakhi, bringing a sense of warmth and sincerity to the film. Rajeev Kanakala steals the show as Ranganath, delivering a powerful and emotional performance. Chaitanya Krishna is menacing as Kumar, and Rajkumar Kasireddy adds comic relief to the film.
Highlights
Heartfelt Performances
Beautiful Cinematography
Outstanding Music
Relatable Themes
Drawbacks
Slow Pace
Dialogues Could Have Been Better
Analysis
Nawab Cafe is a film that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. The movie’s themes of family, heritage, and passion are relatable and well-executed. The film’s pace is steady, with a good balance of humor and drama. However, the first half feels a bit slow, and the climax could have been more dramatic.
Despite its flaws, Nawab Cafe is a must-watch for its heartfelt performances, beautiful cinematography, and outstanding music. The film’s technical aspects are also noteworthy, with Prashanth R Vihari’s music being a standout feature. The camera work is colorful, and the editing could have been tighter. The film’s message about preserving one’s heritage and the importance of family is timely and relevant. With its engaging storyline and memorable characters, Nawab Cafe is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Overall, Nawab Cafe is a well-made film that showcases the greatness of chaiwalas and the power of family.
Rating: 3/5
Bottom-line: Emotional & Inspiring
