Maruva Tarama (2025) – Full Movie Review, Details, Plot Breakdown & Verdict

Release Status (as of December 8, 2025):
Wide release on November 28, 2025, across 1,200+ screens worldwide. Strong opening weekend with ₹15 crore gross in India; holding steady in second week.

Genre: Romantic Drama / Coming-of-Age Thriller
Language: Telugu (dubbed in Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada)
Runtime: 2 hours 18 minutes (138 minutes)
Certificate: U/A
Budget: ₹35 crore
Director & Writer: Vinay Vegi
Music: Pawan CH
Lead Cast: Anupama Parameswaran, Ajay Ghosh, Viva Harsha, Ravi Babu

What Exactly Is Maruva Tarama?

In a year dominated by mass spectacles and pan-Indian blockbusters, Maruva Tarama (translating to "Don't Forget") emerges as a breath of fresh air—a poignant romantic drama that prioritizes emotional depth over explosive action. Directed by newcomer Vinay Vegi, this film marks Anupama Parameswaran's return to lead roles after a string of ensemble cameos. Inspired by real-life stories of young love and loss in coastal Andhra, it weaves a tale of first love, betrayal, and redemption set against the lush backdrops of Kakinada and Vizag. With a modest ₹35 crore budget, the film punches above its weight through heartfelt performances and subtle storytelling, earning praise for its authenticity in portraying millennial relationships.

Who Will Love This Film?

• Fans of emotional, character-driven romances like Geetha Govindam or Rang De
• Anupama Parameswaran admirers seeking a showcase for her range
• Audiences craving slice-of-life dramas with regional flavor
• Viewers interested in coming-of-age stories tackling mental health and societal pressures

Cast Performance Highlights

Anupama Parameswaran – Lead (Sravani)
A career-defining turn that blends vulnerability with quiet strength. Her portrayal of a small-town girl navigating love and heartbreak is raw and relatable, earning her early buzz for Filmfare awards.

Ajay Ghosh – Lead (Karthik)
As the charming yet flawed engineering student, Ghosh brings nuance to a role that could have been stereotypical. His chemistry with Anupama crackles in the lighter moments.

Viva Harsha – Supporting (Best Friend)
Comic relief that never feels forced; his timing elevates the ensemble.

Ravi Babu – Antagonist (Family Elder)
Subtle menace in a role that explores toxic traditions without caricature.

Child actors and ensemble cast add warmth, with no weak links in this tight-knit group.

Plot Breakdown (Spoiler-Free Summary First, Then Detailed Act-Wise)

Safe Summary (No Major Spoilers):
In the sleepy coastal town of Kakinada, college freshman Sravani falls for fellow student Karthik during a college fest. Their whirlwind romance blossoms amid beach sunsets and stolen glances, but societal expectations and personal insecurities threaten to tear them apart. As secrets unravel, Sravani must confront whether love is worth the pain of potential loss.

Detailed Act-Wise Breakdown (Spoilers Ahead):

Act 1 – Blossoming Hearts (0–40 min)

• Introduction to Sravani's world: a conservative family in Kakinada, her dreams of independence clashing with arranged marriage talks.
• College fest sparks: Karthik's guitar performance captivates her; montage of awkward dates, cycle rides along the beach, and first "I love you."
• Subtle hints of Karthik's hidden family baggage; emotional hook with Sravani's diary entries voiced over dreamy visuals.

Act 2 – Cracks in the Foundation (40–100 min)

• Romance deepens: Road trip to Vizag, rain-soaked confessions, and family meetings gone awry.
• Conflict escalates: Karthik's reluctance to commit stems from a past trauma (revealed via flashback); Sravani's brother discovers the affair, invoking family honor.
• Mid-point heartbreak: A heated argument leads to a temporary breakup; Sravani turns to therapy, introducing mental health themes.
• Parallel tracks: Best friend's comic interventions and Ravi Babu's patriarchal pressures build tension.

Act 3 – Remembering to Heal (100–138 min)

• Climax confrontation at a monsoon-drenched beach: Truths spill, forgiveness tested.
• Resolution focuses on growth over reunion; poignant voiceover ties back to the title's theme of cherishing memories.
• Post-credits: A hopeful epilogue five years later, emphasizing self-love.

Technical Aspects

Cinematography (Sai Sriram): Lush, naturalistic shots of Andhra coasts—golden hour beaches and misty hills evoke nostalgia. Handheld intimacy in emotional scenes shines.
Editing (Kishore Te): Crisp pacing; no filler in the 138-minute runtime.
Music & BGM (Pawan CH): Soulful melodies like the title track "Maruva Tarama" (sung by Anupama herself) and folk-infused "Kakinada Kummi" are earworms. BGM understated, letting dialogues breathe.
Production Design: Authentic small-town recreations; minimal VFX, maximum heart.

Final Verdict – 4/5 ★

Strengths
✓ Anupama Parameswaran's powerhouse performance—nuanced and heartbreaking
✓ Authentic portrayal of coastal Andhra culture and youth struggles
✓ Relatable themes: love, mental health, breaking traditions
✓ Beautifully shot romance sequences that linger

Weaknesses
✗ Second-act pacing dips during family drama subplots
✗ Limited mass appeal; may not hook action-starved audiences
✗ Underutilized supporting cast in the finale

Box Office Update (as of Week 2):
India Net: ₹28 crore | Worldwide Gross: ₹42 crore
Break-even achieved; steady word-of-mouth pushing toward ₹60 crore lifetime.

Bottom Line

Maruva Tarama is a tender reminder that not all cinema needs to explode—sometimes, a whisper of emotion cuts deeper. Vinay Vegi's debut is a mature, moving ode to young love's fragility, anchored by Anupama's stellar lead. In a blockbuster-heavy December, this gem offers solace for the soul. Watch it for the feels, stay for the unforgettable melody of memories.

Don't forget to catch it in theaters—before life makes you.