Thank You Dear (2025) Movie ft. Ravi, Hebah, and Dhanush

This Telugu romantic drama from 2025 brings together Dhanush Raghumudri, Hebah Patel, and Rekha Nirosha under the direction of first-timer Thota Srikanth Kumar. The film hit theaters on August 1, 2025, running for just over two hours.

What sets this film apart is its attempt to weave a social message into a romantic framework. The story doesn’t just focus on boy-meets-girl—it digs into addiction, responsibility, and how one tragedy can reshape two lives completely.

The Plot

Satyam dreams of making films. Priya sells real estate. When their paths cross, romance blooms naturally. They’re young, ambitious, and planning a future together. Everything feels possible until their neighbor’s infant dies in a shocking incident. This moment transforms them from hopeful lovers into people forced to confront adult responsibilities they weren’t ready for.

The narrative uses this tragedy as a lens to examine smoking addiction among youth. Janaki enters the picture, connecting the dots in ways that aren’t immediately obvious. The screenplay touches on heartbreak, destructive habits, and the moral weight of our choices. It’s heavy material, and the film doesn’t shy away from the darkness.

Acting That Connects

I was impressed by Dhanush Raghumudri’s growth as an actor. His second film shows visible improvement—there’s more control, more understanding of his character’s inner life. He brings a quiet intensity to Satyam that makes you root for him even when things get messy. The vulnerability he shows feels earned, not performed.

Hebah Patel matches his energy well. Her Priya isn’t just the girlfriend—she’s got her own ambitions and struggles. The scenes where she pushes back against circumstances showcase her range. Rekha Nirosha and Ravi Prakash provide solid support. The chemistry between the leads feels genuine in quieter moments, though the big emotional scenes sometimes miss their mark. Still, the cast keeps you invested when the script falters.

Where It Shines

The film’s heart beats strongest in its honesty about addiction. I’ve seen Telugu films tackle social issues before, but this one doesn’t preach. It shows consequences without melodrama, letting the weight of choices speak for itself. Director Srikanth understands that real emotion comes from restraint, not excess.

The music fits the mood perfectly. Subhash Anand crafted songs that enhance rather than interrupt the narrative flow. The locations look gorgeous on screen—credit to cinematographer P.L.K. Reddy for finding beauty even in difficult moments. The dialogue feels like real people talking, not movie characters delivering lines. I appreciated that the producers took a risk on subject matter that bigger studios might have softened or avoided entirely.

Critical and Audience Response

Zee News Telugu gave it 2.75 stars, highlighting the performances. Both 10TV and NTV landed at 2.5 stars with lukewarm takes. Cinejosh went lower at 2 stars, pointing out script issues. The pattern is clear—critics saw the potential but couldn’t ignore the problems.

The Hans India took a kinder view, calling it worthwhile for viewers seeking substance over style. Regular moviegoers split down the middle. Those who value message-driven cinema found things to appreciate. The performances got consistent praise. But the slow burn tested patience, especially for viewers expecting conventional entertainment.