Director Gunasekhar's latest film, "Euphoria," a Telugu social drama and thriller, premiered in theaters on February 6, 2026. The movie, which draws inspiration from a harrowing 2022 sexual assault case in Hyderabad, has garnered mixed reviews from critics, with some publications rating it around 2 out of 5. Reviewers largely praised the film's timely and bold subject matter but pointed to issues with its execution, particularly in the second half.[thehindu+3]
The Story Behind Euphoria
"Euphoria" centers on a challenging narrative rooted in a true incident that deeply affected Hyderabad in 2022. The plot follows Chaitra, a 17-year-old aspiring IAS officer, who becomes the victim of a sexual assault by five minor boys from influential families after attending a party. Instead of remaining silent, Chaitra bravely files a police complaint and seeks justice. The film explores the journey of her fight for justice, the role of law enforcement, and the complex dynamics within the families of both the victim and the perpetrators.[thehindu+3]
The film's narrative also delves into the pervasive drug culture among young people and the critical role of parenting in shaping a child's behavior. It features Bhumika Chawla as Vindhya, the mother of one of the accused, Vikas, who initially supports Chaitra in seeking punishment for her son. Gautham Vasudev Menon portrays Police Commissioner Jayadev Nair, who investigates the case. The movie received an 'A' certification, indicating it demands viewer discretion due to its difficult themes.[thehindu+4]
Critical Reception and Performances
Critics have offered a divided response to "Euphoria." While the film's intention to address a sensitive and socially relevant issue received commendation, its overall execution faced criticism. Cinema Express, for instance, gave "Euphoria" a 2 out of 5 rating, stating that its "right intent let down by flawed execution."Similarly, Telugu360 rated the film 2.25 out of 5, noting that Gunasekhar "picks a bold plot, but falters in execution."[cinemaexpress+1]
Many reviewers found the first half of the film engaging and impactful, particularly the portrayal of Chaitra's assault and her decision to fight for justice. However, the narrative reportedly loses momentum in the second half. Critics noted that the film's focus shifts unnecessarily to Vikas's life in jail and his mother's attempts to reform him through parole, introducing a drug-related storyline that felt disconnected from the initial plot. This shift led to a lack of narrative cohesion and tested the audience's patience.[cinemaexpress+2]
Despite the mixed reviews for the film's direction, the performances of the lead cast members garnered praise. Sara Arjun, in her lead debut in Tollywood, delivered a mature and convincing performance as Chaitra. Critics highlighted her ability to convey courage and vulnerability, particularly in a scene where she reacts in shock when her father touches her. Bhumika Chawla added weight to the film as the conflicted mother Vindhya, though some critics found her excessive alcohol-related scenes tiresome. Newcomer Vignesh Gavireddy gave a decent performance, especially in the climax, while Gautham Vasudev Menon was effective as the police commissioner.[cinemaexpress+2]
Gunasekhar's Comeback Attempt
"Euphoria" marks director Gunasekhar's return to contemporary drama after a three-year hiatus and a series of historical and mythological films, including "Rudhramadevi" (2015) and "Shaakuntalam" (2023). His previous venture, "Shaakuntalam," released in April 2023, received highly negative reviews and was a significant commercial failure.[123telugu+2]
There was considerable pressure on Gunasekhar to deliver a strong film with "Euphoria" and make a successful comeback. The director opted for a limited budget and largely worked with newcomers for this project. The film represents a notable shift for Gunasekhar, who is known for star-driven films like "Okkadu" and "Choodalani Vundi." His decision to tackle a socially relevant subject like the Jubilee Hills case was widely appreciated, with many acknowledging his genuine attempt to deliver a strong social message about parental responsibility and the consequences of reckless youth behavior.[123telugu+4]
The movie aims to educate society on the importance of parents taking responsibility for their children's actions and highlights how today's generation can fall prey to drugs and harmful influences. While the core message resonated with critics, the uneven storytelling ultimately hindered the film's overall impact.[cinemaexpress+1]
"Euphoria" stands as a significant, albeit imperfect, attempt by Gunasekhar to address pressing social issues. The film's critical reception suggests that while its intent was commendable, its execution could not consistently maintain the audience's engagement throughout its runtime.
