Nawab Cafe 2026

Nawab Cafe (2026) is an Indian Telugu-language family drama written and directed by Pramod Harsha, starring Shiva Kandukuri, Rajeev Kanakala and Teju Ashwini. The film centers on Raja, a young man whose relationship with his father becomes strained as his ambitions begin pulling him away from the family’s traditional way of life. At the heart of the story is the emotional bond between father and son, with the cafe serving as an important setting for their disagreements and eventual understanding. The film was released theatrically in India on February 20, 2026, after originally being promoted under the title Chai Wala. Its 137-minute runtime gives the drama room to explore family relationships, ambition, responsibility and personal values.

Storyline & Plot Analysis

The Nawab Cafe storyline follows Raja, a young man whose ambitions put him at odds with his father Ranganatham. While his father remains attached to the familiar world of the tea cafe and the values associated with it, Raja dreams of building a more successful and modern life.

The conflict is not simply about the cafe. It reflects a wider difference between generations, with the father valuing stability and tradition while his son is increasingly attracted to ambition and financial success. As Raja’s circumstances change, he faces difficult decisions that test his priorities and relationship with his family.

The movie uses the cafe as more than just a backdrop. It becomes a symbol of the family’s history and the values Raja must decide whether to preserve or leave behind. The story ultimately focuses on father-son emotions, ambition, responsibility and the meaning of success.

Production Details & Behind-the-Scenes

Pramod Harsha directed the film and also wrote the story, while Imran Siddique is credited with the screenplay. Radha V Papudippu produced Nawab Cafe under the Harshika Productions banner, with Venkat R Papudippu serving as co-producer. Kranthi Varla handled cinematography, Pavan Narava edited the film, and Prashanth R Vihari composed the music.

One notable detail surrounding the production was the movie’s title change. The project was initially promoted as Chai Wala, but the makers changed the name to Nawab Cafe before release following discussions surrounding censor guidelines. The director also described the story as being inspired by real-life incidents and experiences.

Cast & Characters

The Nawab Cafe cast includes:

• Shiva Kandukuri as Raja – The young protagonist whose ambitions create tension with his father.
• Rajeev Kanakala as Ranganatham – Raja’s father, whose attachment to the cafe represents tradition and family values.
• Teju Ashwini as Sakhi – One of the film’s principal characters and Teju Ashwini’s notable role in the movie.
• Rajkumar Kasireddy – Appears in a supporting role.
• Chaitanya Krishna as Kumar – A supporting character.
• Vadlamani Srinivas – Supporting cast member.
• Mani Chandana as Parvathi – Raja’s mother.
• D.D. Srinivas as Subba Rao – Supporting character.
• Gemini Suresh – Supporting cast member.

Shiva Kandukuri and Rajeev Kanakala provide the film’s central father-son dynamic. Their contrasting characters are essential to the emotional side of the story.

Release Date & Reception

Nawab Cafe was released in Indian theaters on February 20, 2026. It was also released in the United States on the same date in limited theatrical distribution.

Reception has been mixed. IMDb currently lists the film at 5.0/10, based on more than 60 ratings. Reviews have differed considerably. The Hans India gave the film 3/5 and described it as a wholesome family entertainer, while The New Indian Express gave it 1.5/5, criticizing its screenplay, direction and performances.

Where to Watch Nawab Cafe

If you’re searching for where to watch Nawab Cafe, the movie first received a theatrical release on February 20, 2026. Current public listings confirm its theatrical release, but a reliable current OTT platform listing is not established in the sources reviewed.