YouTuber Mouli Tanuj Prasanth is making his debut in a lead role with the release of Little Hearts, a film that is generating significant buzz among young audiences. This youthful romantic comedy, directed by the promising first-time filmmaker Sai Marthand, showcases the vibrant energies and relatable experiences of modern love. The film also stars Shivani Nagaram in the female lead role, bringing her own charm and talent to the story.
Story
In this engaging film, Akhil (played by Mouli) epitomizes the archetypal backbench student, seemingly indifferent to his academic pursuits—a fact that frustrates his father, Gopal Rao (Rajeev Kanakala). Gopal Rao harbors ambitions for Akhil to pursue a B.Tech degree and secure a position at a prestigious software company. Following Akhil’s disappointing performance in the EAMCET exam, Gopal Rao pressures him to enroll in an extended coaching program, hoping to enhance his prospects for success.
On the other side of the narrative, Krishna Rao (SS Kanchi) is determined for his daughter, Khatyayani (Shivani Nagaram), to become a doctor. Fuelled by this ambition, he enrolls her in her fourth long-term coaching class. It is within this academic environment that Akhil and Khatyayani’s lives intersect. From their very first encounter, Akhil finds himself captivated by Khatyayani, pursuing her affection and eventually falling head over heels in love.
However, their romantic journey is fraught with challenges. A sudden twist alters the trajectory of their relationship, raising critical questions about the impact on both Akhil and Khatyayani’s aspirations. Will their love withstand this upheaval, and might it eventually culminate in marriage? How do their parents respond to the unexpected developments? These compelling questions form the crux of the film’s narrative.
Performances
Mouli captivates the younger Telugu audience with his endearing portrayal, delivering a comedic performance that shines, particularly in specific sequences that highlight his timing and humor. One notable musical number showcases his talent and adds a layer of comedic imitation, becoming one of the film’s memorable moments.
Shivani Nagaram, noted for her performance in Ambajipeta Marriage Band, fits seamlessly into her role, exhibiting captivating beauty on screen. Her ability to navigate various timelines with finesse adds depth to her character, making her standout performance a highlight of the film.
Jai Krishna, another promising young actor, complements Mouli well, contributing to the film’s comedic element with his sharp timing and engaging delivery, particularly during numerous hilarious scenes scattered throughout both halves of the film.
Veteran actor Rajeev Kanakala leaves a strong impression as the concerned father, adeptly embodying the character of a paternal figure deeply invested in his son’s academic journey. His performance, infused with sincerity and emotion, is bolstered by the strong contributions of supporting actors like SS Kanchi, Anitha Chowdhary, and Sathya Krishnan, each adding their own strengths to the overall story.
Behind the scenes
On a technical level, the film showcases commendable production values, thanks to the budget provided by Aditya Haasan. The musical score by Sinjith Yerramilli is another highlight, with both the background music and songs harmonizing beautifully with the film’s mood. While Suriya Balaji’s cinematography captures the essence of the story, some aspects may feel somewhat dated. Additionally, Sreedhar Sompally’s editing could benefit from refinement to enhance the overall pacing.
Director Sai Marthand excels in crafting the comedic sequences, which are undoubtedly the film’s strongest elements. While the narrative may lack profound emotional depth, he effectively ensures that the humor resonates with the audience. However, the overall approach to other narrative elements may come across as somewhat simplistic.
Final Verdict
The film’s first half unfolds around a young man who has just completed his intermediate education, exploring his family dynamics and friendships as he enrolls in an EAMCET coaching institute. With a light-hearted comedic tone, the story progresses, especially as Akhil begins to develop feelings for a fellow student.
In the second half, the film continues to deliver entertainment through a steady stream of comedic moments, interspersed with emotionally resonant scenes that help balance the tone. Even within these emotional plot points, humor is artfully maintained, ensuring a lighthearted atmosphere.
Overall, the film opts for a straightforward narrative without significant plot twists, which may disappoint those anticipating dramatic surprises. The comedic focus reduces the emotional weight, particularly concerning familial relationships, which some audiences might find lacking. Ultimately, this film caters well to viewers seeking lighthearted entertainment devoid of heavy drama or intense emotional arcs. Interestingly, Little Hearts has got more potential to make it big and win more hearts if released on OTT rather than in theatres.
