Sindhu Review:
Anrwriting ✍🏽| Senior Film Critic
Release Date: December 14, 2025
Streaming Platform: ETV Win
Rating: ★★★¼ (3.25/5)
Cast: Madhunandan, Lavanya Reddy, CVL Narasimha Rao, Baby Bhoomi
Director: Satish Varma
Producers: Devaraj Potthuru, Pavitra Potthuru
Music: Joy Solomon
Cinematography: Ravindranath T
Editing: Alluri Anil Kumar Varma
Among this week’s OTT releases, Sindhu stands out as a modest yet sincere offering from ETV Win’s Katha Sudha weekly series. Designed as a short-format narrative, the film banks on emotion, innocence, and familial warmth rather than dramatic twists and largely succeeds in doing so.
Story…
Set in a small rural village, Sindhu follows Ranga (Madhunandan) and Lalitha (Lavanya Reddy), a simple couple leading a peaceful life with their young daughter (Baby Bhoomi), whom they dote on dearly. Their quiet existence is disrupted when Narayanarao (CVL Narasimha Rao) arrives in the village after publishing a newspaper advertisement, claiming that his granddaughter went missing years ago.
Is the child living with Ranga and Lalitha the same girl Narayanarao is searching for or is it a case of mistaken identity? How did the child come into the couple’s life, and where does she truly belong? These questions form the emotional core of the film.
What works…
Sindhu is a beautiful and refreshingly honest attempt. The casting feels spot-on, and the director’s restrained approach allows the story to unfold naturally. The family portions, especially those involving Madhunandan’s household, are tender and rooted in innocence.
Baby Bhoomi is the film’s biggest asset. Her screen presence is utterly charming, and her dialogues and expressions add a delightful warmth to the narrative. Madhunandan and Lavanya Reddy deliver natural, believable performances as caring parents, while CVL Narasimha Rao lends dignity and emotional weight to his role.
Emotionally, the film connects well, particularly with family audiences. The vintage rural backdrop is effectively captured through Ravindranath T’s cinematography, while Joy Solomon’s soulful background score enhances the film’s emotional resonance without overpowering it.
Where it falters…
Despite its strengths, Sindhu does stumble on a few logical grounds. The process through which Narayanarao searches for his missing granddaughter feels somewhat simplistic. The idea of identifying a child who went missing at a very young age after several years does strain credibility.
The pacing is another concern. The narrative moves at a leisurely pace, which at times affects engagement. A tighter edit and slightly brisker storytelling would have elevated the overall impact.
Technical aspects…
Production values are commendable for a short film. Joy Solomon’s music is soothing and well-aligned with the film’s emotional tone. The cinematography effectively captures the rustic atmosphere, while the framing adds visual depth. Editing by Alluri Anil Kumar Varma is neat, though a sharper, faster cut would have improved the flow.
Director Satish Varma presents a decent and heartfelt piece of work. His handling of emotion is mature, and while minor logical lapses exist, his overall vision and execution remain effective.
Verdict…
Sindhu is a simple, emotionally driven short film that leaves a pleasant aftertaste. Strong performances, especially by Baby Bhoomi, and a warm emotional core make it worth a watch. Though it has a few flaws in logic and pacing, the film succeeds as a gentle family drama that appeals through sincerity rather than spectacle.
A soft, emotional watch best enjoyed for its innocence and heart
