The more we assume that something has changed, the more it probably hasn’t, at least not for everyone. Although some city homes and schools have moved away from awkward “birds and bees” conversations towards a more pragmatic approach to sex education, the topic remains taboo in many families. In a remote village, these conversations become even more difficult. Super SubbuNetflix’s first Telugu original series, directed by Mallik Ram and starring Sandeep Kishan, builds a gripping drama around this premise.
Some of the early scenes are reminiscent of school days when teachers skipped sex education classes to avoid awkward laughter in class. They also show the anxiety that many teachers feel about the subject.
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Mallik Ram, who co-wrote the series with Ramesh Eligeti and Shivani Dhobal, understands that conversations around sex education, menstrual health and family planning remain relevant, even if cinema has touched on them before. It humorously tells the story of Subbu, or Subrahmanyam Chilukuri (Sandeep Kishan), a sex education officer posted to a remote village in Telangana. The tone reminds Vicky Donortransplanted into a rustic setting. Although some of the jokes are risqué, they never amount to rudeness.
Deep down Super Subbu is embedded in a father-son relationship that will sound familiar to many who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s. A father who is put off by any discussion of sex. A curious teenage son looks through magazines but gets caught. Murali Sharma, making his debut in the web series, is perfect as Kukkuteshwar Rao, Subbu’s authoritarian father and school teacher who calls sex education “pure, unadulterated nonsense.”
Super Subbu (Telugu)
Director: Mallik Ram
Cast: Sandeep Kishan, Mithila Palkar, Murali Sharma, Manasa Choudhary.
Episodes: 7
Plot: When a sex education officer comes to a village known for its lack of family planning, how does he cope with this difficult task?
He is the complete opposite of his son Subbu, who quietly endures constant barbs in an attempt to become the son his father would approve of. The tension between them established in the first episode is compelling enough to set the stage for the rest of the series.
The seven-episode drama really finds its footing when the story moves to a village notorious for its poor family planning practices. Subbu’s unenviable position as a sex education officer unfolds alongside a long-distance romance with his girlfriend, played by Manasa Choudhary.
The village is depicted with a healthy dose of satire and whimsy. A comic book-like sensibility permeates the entire series, balancing the serious subject matter. The characters and setting feel authentic, helped by Lanka Santoshi’s costumes and Chandrika Gorrepati’s production design. The playful mood extends to the props used in sex education lessons and even to the illustrations on the chalkboard. Cinematographer AJ Aaron captures the landscape with equal parts earthiness and vibrancy, and Anudeep Dev’s music complements the tone.
Even Subbu’s assigned housing says a lot about how sex education officers are treated in the village. Its inhabitants are equally colorful, from the village sarpanch to his loyal assistant Subbu, played by Getup Srinu. Some characters deliberately draw on familiar archetypes: men obsessed with displaying masculinity and women conditioned to remain silent. Mithila Palkar stands out as Swati, an aspiring actor, while two other women – a sex worker and a young woman with a mysterious past – add additional layers to the narrative.
Several plot points unfold as expected, but Mallik Ram keeps them interesting. Be it the villagers’ reactions to the idea of ”no means no” or Subbu’s subdued activities in class, the humor rarely overshadows the message. The writer also knows when to stop laughing. For example, talking about menstrual hygiene sounds more sincere than preachy. Smaller details—like villagers climbing palm trees in search of a cell phone signal—enrich the world-building.
As the series progressed Super Subbu also becomes a coming of age story. Sandeep Kishan plays the protagonist with warmth and sincerity, conveying his innocence and vulnerability. In the early episodes, his body language reflects a young man constantly seeking his father’s approval. Gradually, as Subbu becomes accustomed to village life, this uncertainty gives way to confidence. The emotional arc feels earned.
Murali Sharma, despite having played numerous fathers in Telugu cinema, finds fresh shades in Kukkuteshwar Rao, bringing gravitas and humor to a role that he could have easily played on autopilot.
However, the romance could have been taken further, although Sandeep and Manasa Choudhary share an easy chemistry. Mithila Palkar, who speaks Telangana dialect, is convincing as an aspiring actor. Her character reflects the changing rural landscape, where short videos have opened doors to fame on social media, music videos and even films. She shines in her audition and then in a poignant scene that asks why women are so rarely allowed to make their own decisions.
Among the supporting cast, Getup Srinu makes the most of his comic timing, while Jeevan Kumar and Sampurnesh Babu leave an impression despite playing mostly one-dimensional characters.
Super Subbu There’s a lot going on in its favor, even if the plot focusing on a woman’s mysterious love story seems unnecessary. The finale deliberately leaves several questions unresolved, clearly setting the stage for a second season.
(Super Subbu is streaming on Netflix)
Published – Jul 2, 2026 01:51 pm EST.