Nawab Cafe Movie Review: A Legacy Drama That Struggles to Brew Impact
Movie: Nawab Cafe
Release Date: February 20, 2026
Cast: Shiva Kandukuri, Teju Ashwini, Rajeev Kanakala
Director: Pramod Harsha
Producers: Radha V Papudippu & Venkat R Papudippu
Music: Prashanth R Vihari
Cinematography: Kranthi Varla
Editor: Pavan Narava
Story
Set against the cultural backdrop of Hyderabad’s Old City, Nawab Cafe revolves around a centuries-old family-owned café that symbolizes tradition and heritage. Ranganath (Rajeev Kanakala) is deeply attached to the establishment, viewing it not merely as a business but as a legacy passed down through generations.
His son Raja (Shiva Kandukuri), however, dreams of building a life abroad and distancing himself from the family’s traditional setup. Circumstances unexpectedly force Raja to step into his father’s shoes and manage the café. As he begins to understand the emotional and historical weight behind it, he is drawn into conflicts involving family pride, personal ambition, and external threats to the café’s survival.
Performances
Rajeev Kanakala stands out with a dignified and emotionally balanced performance. His portrayal of a father determined to protect his heritage feels sincere and grounded.
Shiva Kandukuri delivers a decent performance, particularly in the emotional confrontations before the interval. He convincingly transitions from a carefree youth to a responsible son in the latter half.
Teju Ashwini has limited scope, and her character lacks depth. The antagonist and supporting roles fail to create any meaningful impact.
What Works
- Rajeev Kanakala’s strong emotional presence
- Authentic Old City setting and production design
- Pre-interval confrontation scenes
What Doesn’t Work
- Slow and outdated screenplay
- Weak comedy and underwhelming romance
- Predictable antagonist track
- Emotionally ineffective second half
- Dragging narrative and poor pacing
Technical Aspects
Prashanth R Vihari’s music is serviceable but forgettable, with only one song making a mild impression. Cinematography by Kranthi Varla captures the Old City environment adequately. Production design adds authenticity to the café setting.
However, the editing lacks sharpness, leading to pacing issues. As both writer and director, Pramod Harsha attempts to craft an emotional drama centered on legacy, but the execution feels dated and lacks freshness.
Verdict
Nawab Cafe had the potential to deliver a heartfelt story about tradition and generational conflict. While Rajeev Kanakala and Shiva Kandukuri put in sincere efforts, the film ultimately suffers from a sluggish screenplay and predictable storytelling.
With routine drama and limited engaging moments, the film ends up as a below-average emotional outing.
