OTT Review: The Last Show – A Modest Telugu Short Film on Love and Closure
Streaming on: ETV Win
Release Date: December 21, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐½ / 5
By: anrwriting ✍🏽 | Film Critic
Cast: Charan Lakkaraju, Dheera Pisati, Giridhar
Director: Pradeep Maddali
Producer: Kaumudi K. Nemani
Music: Saketh Komanduri
Cinematography: Praveen Vanamali
Editor: Michael D. Selva
As part of ETV Win’s weekly Katha Sudha short film series, The Last Show arrives as a familiar romantic drama that explores heartbreak, emotional baggage, and the difficulty of moving on. While it makes a sincere attempt at portraying a sensitive love story, the film remains largely safe and predictable.
Story:
Aadya (Dheera Pisati), a radio jockey, is emotionally scarred after a breakup and has little interest in marriage. Still struggling to move on from her former lover Varun (Charan Lakkaraju), she is shaken when she learns that he has already moved on and is ready to get married. This realization prompts Aadya to agree to marriage herself and decide that her upcoming radio broadcast will be her final show.
Circumstances soon bring Aadya and Varun face to face again. What led to their separation? Why did they drift apart despite their love? And can unresolved emotions ever truly fade? These questions form the emotional core of The Last Show.
Performances:
Charan Lakkaraju and Dheera Pisati deliver sincere and restrained performances. Their chemistry feels organic, and both actors portray emotional vulnerability with subtlety rather than melodrama. Dheera, in particular, fits well into the role of a conflicted, emotionally guarded RJ. Giridhar also lends solid support, fitting naturally into his role.
Strengths:
The film works best when it focuses on quiet emotions and understated moments between the lead pair. Viewers who enjoy neat, emotionally driven love stories will find parts of the narrative relatable. The final act, especially the resolution of misunderstandings between the couple, is handled with a sense of maturity. The climax, though simple, carries a meaningful emotional note.
Weaknesses:
Despite its sincerity, The Last Show lacks emotional depth. The narrative often feels slow, causing the audience’s engagement to waver midway. The emotional beats could have been stronger, and the film doesn’t fully capitalize on its premise. Moreover, the treatment feels familiar, as similar relationship dramas have already explored this territory extensively, leaving little room for novelty.
Technical Aspects:
The production values are decent for a short film. Saketh Komanduri’s music complements the mood without overpowering the scenes. Praveen Vanamali’s cinematography is clean and pleasing, while the editing by Michael D. Selva is functional. Director Pradeep Maddali presents a routine love story with a mild twist, but a more refined narrative approach could have elevated the film significantly.
Verdict:
Overall, The Last Show is a passable romantic short film that will appeal primarily to viewers who enjoy straightforward love dramas with clean endings. While the lead performances add value, the film may not leave a strong impact on a wider audience due to its familiar storytelling and emotional restraint.
Final Rating: ⭐⭐½ / 5
Reviewed by Newsminute24 Team
