Story
Akhil (Mouli Tanuj) is the son of a father (Rajeev Kanakala) with big dreams and high expectations. But Akhil prefers a carefree life, spending time with friends and failing in his exams. After intermediate, his father enrolls him in a long-term coaching center to get him back on track. There, he meets the charming Kathyayani (Shivani Nagaram) and manages to catch her attention. Just as he gathers the courage to confess his feelings, he uncovers a shocking truth about her. The rest of the story follows Akhil as he processes this revelation and overcomes the emotional and personal hurdles that follow.

Artists Performance

Mouli Tanuj, known for his strong social media presence through memes and his performance in the 90’s Middle Class Biopic, picks a role that perfectly aligns with his age and energy. He shines as a free-spirited teenager who impulsively chases every fleeting thought. His comic timing is spot-on, delivering humor that feels both familiar and delightful. Shivani Nagaram fits her role seamlessly, and as the story unfolds, it becomes clear why she was the ideal choice.

Rajeev Kanakala is excellent as Mouli’s father, bringing out laughs through his brilliantly frustrated expressions and body language. SS Kanchi is hilarious as the heroine’s father - his character feels like an extended version of the one he played in Maryada Ramanna. Anitha Gogineni and Satya Krishnan do well as the mothers. Jayakrishna, who plays Mouli’s friend, stands out with his spontaneity and sharp comedic timing, while Nikhil Abburi also makes a solid impression. The child actor playing Mouli’s younger brother is adorable. Every actor is well-cast, adding a refreshing charm to the film.

Story - screenplay - direction: This film is a slice-of-life take on teenage years, centered around intermediate students. The narrative introduces a clever twist right before the interval, which sets up the central conflict. What makes it even more engaging is the choice of period - the timeline runs from 2015 onwards, cleverly divided into pre- and post-Jio eras. Director Sai Marthand crafts a story that stays true to teenage life, capturing their fascinations and dreams while also reflecting the frustrations and expectations of parents.

Rather than relying on a heavy plot, the film thrives on moments. The screenplay is packed with engaging and entertaining episodes that keep the audience invested throughout. The innovative juxtaposition of Baahubali with the lead pair’s love story adds freshness. The hero’s quirky proposal song - complete with an SRK-style hairstyle from Happy New Year at the heroine’s request and the chaos it stirs in both families stand out as one of the film’s highlights.

Free from formulaic storytelling, the narration flows smoothly, almost like a humorous chronicle of teenage journeys across a decade. With his knack for blending relevance and entertainment, Sai Marthand shows strong promise as a filmmaker for the future.

Other departments: Sinjith Yerramalli’s music is one of the major highlights of the film. His compositions - both songs and background score - feel fresh, youthful, and in tune with the film’s tone. Every song works well, and their thoughtful placement gives the film a near-musical feel. The proposal song, in particular, is delightfully quirky.

Cinematography by Surya Balaji effectively captures the indie, youthful vibe, while Sridhar Sompalli’s editing keeps the narrative crisp and engaging. Divya Pawan’s art direction is subtle and organic, perfectly aligning with the story’s world and mood.

Producer Aditya Hasan clearly has an eye for stories with emotional resonance. Much like his 90’s Middle Class Biopic, this film leans into nostalgia and teenage spirit, delivering a relatable and charming cinematic experience.

Analysis: Little Hearts is a delightful entertainer, packed with fun moments handled skillfully by the director. Youthful love stories haven’t been explored much in recent Telugu cinema, and that’s precisely why this film feels refreshing. It captures the carefree spirit of teenagers and the exasperation of parents in a humorous and relatable way. It’s the most I’ve laughed in a theatre since Sankranthiki Vastunnam this year. Little Hearts delivers wholesome theatrical entertainment and is definitely worth watching.