Tuk Tuk is a Telugu movie that released in theaters on March 21, 2025 and is now streaming on ETV Win. Directed by Supreeth C. Krishna, this fantasy drama stars Harsh Roshan, Karthikeya Dev, Steven Madhu, Sanvi Meghana, and Nihal Kodathi in lead roles. Produced by Rahul Reddy, Lokku Sri Varun, and Siriramulu Reddy under the banners of Chitravahini Productions and RYG Cinemas, the movie revolves around a magical autorickshaw. Set against the backdrop of Vinayaka Chavithi, the movie comes with youthful energy, romance, emotions, and supernatural elements. But, how did the Telugu audience feel about this movie? Let me tell you about my feelings, highlights, and shortcomings in this review!
What's in the story?
In a small village in Chittoor district, three teenage boys (Harsh Roshan, Karthikeya Dev, Steven Madhu) live their lives carefree. They plan to buy a camera to watch movies and shoot cinematic videos in the village. They collect donations during the Vinayaka Chavithi festival to raise money. In the process, they find an old Bajaj Chetak scooter, repair it, and convert it into an autorickshaw. Calling this scooter a “tuk tuk,” it is used for the Ganpati idol procession. However, this scooter is no ordinary one! It has magical powers—it answers the boys’ questions with a handle and moves on its own. How did this scooter change their lives? What is the secret behind this? How is the love story of Shilpa (Shaanvi Meghana) and Naveen (Nihal Kodati) connected to this story? What is the problem that Shilpa faces in her village? The answers to these questions are the story of Tuk Tuk.
My feelings: Fun at the beginning, slow in the middle!
When the movie started, I felt, “Oh, this is going to be a fun ride!” when I saw the youthful energy of the three boys, the village backdrop, and the Vinayaka Chavithi vibe. In the first half, the comedy timing of Harsh Roshan, Karthikeya, and Steven, and the chemistry between them made me laugh super. The scenes where the scooter is revealed to have magical powers, the interval bang were very impressive. When I saw the village visuals, the festival scenes, and Sanvi Meghna’s entry, I felt, “Oh, this is a different movie!”
But, in the second half, the story slowed down a bit and felt stretched with flashbacks and romantic tracks. Shilpa and Naveen's love story is emotionally connected, but it is not properly linked to the main plot. Some scenes lack logic, some questions are left unanswered. Although the climax is decent, I felt like, "Oh, if the first half energy had been maintained, it would have been a blockbuster!" Sanvi Meghana's performance, Harsh Roshan's gang energy, and the visuals saved the film. Overall, Tuk Tuk is a decent one-time watch for those who like supernatural hits like Hanuman, but a disappointment for those expecting big thrills.
Technical aspects, acting
Karthik Saikumar's cinematography is the biggest asset of the film! The village landscapes, golden-hour lighting, festival scenes are very good. The tuk tuk scooter design, and art direction give a fantasy touch to the visuals. Santhu Omkar's background score and songs are youthful and supportive of the scenes. Ashwath Shivakumar's editing is sharp in the first half, but the transitions in the second half could have been a little better. Supreet Krishna's direction is entertaining in the first half and emotionally balanced in the second half, but the stretchiness and logic gaps in the screenplay are a bit disturbing.
In the acting, Harsh Roshan, Karthikeya Dev, and Steven Madhu all three impressed with their energy and comedic timing. The friendship vibe between them is natural and relatable. Sanvi Meghna lights up the screen in her role as Shilpa—her emotional scenes and romantic moments are the highlight. Nihal Kodathi gave a decent performance as Naveen, but the role scope was a bit limited. The supporting cast, with Dayanand Reddy and other villagers playing the roles, added depth to the setting.
In acting, all three of them, Harsh Roshan, Karthikeya Dev, and Steven Madhu, impressed with their energy and comedic timing. The friendship vibe between them was natural and relatable. Sanvi Meghna lit up the screen in her role as Shilpa—her emotional scenes and romantic moments were the highlight. Nihal Kodathi gave a decent performance as Naveen, but the role scope was a bit less. Dayanand Reddy and the other villagers in the supporting cast added depth to the setting.
Likes and Dislikes
Likes:
Youthful energy: Harsh Roshan, Karthikeya, and Steven's comedy and chemistry drove the first half.
Visuals: Karthik Saikumar's cinematography, village backdrop, festival scenes are rich.
Sanvi Meghana: Her emotions and screen presence in the role of Shilpa are a big plus for the film.
First half: Fun elements, Scooter's magic reveal, interval bang are gripping.
Music: Santhu Omkar's songs, BGM add a youthful vibe.
Dislikes:
Second half slow: Flashback, romantic track is stretched, entertainment is missed.
Logic gaps: Scooter's mystery, lack of logic in some scenes, unresolved questions are disappointing.
Romantic track: Shilpa-Naveen's love story is emotional, but it does not connect properly with the main plot.
Emotional Depth: Scooter Mystery lacks a strong emotional connect.
Pacing: Transitions and editing in the second half felt slow.
Who should watch it?
Tuk Tuk is a decent entertainer for those who like supernatural comedy films like Hanuman and Zombie Reddy. There is a chance that it will appeal to those who like youth audience, fantasy drama, and romantic comedies. With a UA certificate, there are some adult jokes (about watching videos), supernatural elements, so it is suitable for teens and young adults. You can try it once on ETV Win for the rural backdrop, festival vibe, and Sanvi Meghna's performance. But, those expecting high-intensity supernatural thrillers like Virupaksha should lower their expectations.
Rating: 2.75/5
Tuk Tuk impressed with its youthful energy, Harsh Roshan gang comedy, Sanvi Meghna's performance, rural visuals, and Santhu Omkar's music. The first half was fun, the scooter mystery revealed, and the festival scenes were a big plus. But, the second half was stretched, logic gaps, lack of emotional depth, and the romantic track integration being weak made the film a dull ride. For those who like fantasy comedy and lighthearted drama, it's okay for a weekend watch on ETV Win, but don't expect big supernatural thrills
Release Date: March 21, 2025 (Theaters), April 10, 2025 (ETV Win)
Streaming: ETV Win
Director: Supreet C. Krishna
Producers: Rahul Reddy, Lokku Sri Varun, Siriramulu Reddy
Cast: Harsh Roshan, Karthikeya Dev, Steven Madhu, Sanvi Meghana, Nihal Kodathi
Cinematography: Karthik Saikumar
Music: Santhu Omkar