Little Hearts (2025) Movie Review: A Frothy, Youthful Rom-Com That Delivers Laughs but Skims on DepthLittle Hearts, a Telugu romantic comedy directed by Sai Marthand and produced by Aditya Haasan, hit theaters on September 5, 2025, riding on the success of the team’s previous venture, the web series 90s – A Middle Class Biopic. Starring YouTuber-turned-actor Mouli Tanuj Prashanth and Shivani Nagaram, the film promises a lighthearted, meme-infused escape tailored for Gen-Z audiences. With a runtime of just over two hours, Little Hearts aims to capture the quirky essence of teenage romance set against the backdrop of a coaching center in Hyderabad. But does it live up to its promise of delivering a “laughter riot” for the ages, or does it fall short of its ambitions? Let’s dive into this youthful entertainer to find out.Plot OverviewSet in Hyderabad in 2015, Little Hearts follows Nalli Akhil Kumar (Mouli Tanuj), a carefree, academically challenged student who’s more interested in YouTube videos, kachoris, and hanging out with friends than pursuing his father’s dream of seeing him as a software engineer. After failing to secure a good rank in the EAMCET, Akhil is reluctantly enrolled in a long-term coaching program. There, he meets Khatyayini (Shivani Nagaram), a fellow struggler chasing her MBBS dreams despite her parents’ lofty expectations. Sparks fly, and a bubblegum romance unfolds, complete with pranks, banter, and the inevitable parental opposition. The only twist? Khatyayini is three years older than Akhil—a detail that adds a minor wrinkle to their love story but little in the way of narrative depth. The film spans a decade, ending in 2025, but its wafer-thin plot revolves around situational comedy and meme-driven humor rather than a robust storyline.Performances: Mouli Steals the ShowMouli Tanuj Prashanth is the heart and soul of Little Hearts. Fresh from his success in 90s, he slips effortlessly into the role of Akhil, embodying the quintessential Gen-Z slacker with impeccable comic timing. His delivery of one-liners, especially in the hilarious “Katyayini” song sequence, had audiences in splits, showcasing his ability to carry a film with his infectious energy. Critics have unanimously praised his performance, with reviews noting that he “sets the theater on fire” with his dialogues and attitude.Shivani Nagaram, known for Ambajipeta Marriage Band, shines as Khatyayini, bringing charm and authenticity to her role. Her chemistry with Mouli is a highlight, particularly in the romantic scenes, where she balances vulnerability and spunk. The supporting cast, including Jayakrishna as Akhil’s friend Madhu, adds significant value. Jayakrishna’s deadpan humor and scene-stealing moments draw comparisons to Priyadarshi’s role in Pelli Choopulu, making him a standout. Rajeev Kanakala, as Akhil’s strict father, along with Anitha Chowdary, SS Kanchi, and Satya Krishnan, deliver convincing performances that ground the film’s familial dynamics.Direction and Writing: A Mixed BagSai Marthand’s direction is a double-edged sword. On one hand, he excels at crafting a breezy, irreverent tone that resonates with young audiences. The film’s dedication to “memers” in the opening credits sets the stage for its unapologetic silliness, and Marthand leans into this with pop-culture references, witty one-liners, and a playful narrative structure. The first half is particularly engaging, with sharp gags and a lighthearted vibe that keeps the energy high. A standout moment is when Akhil creates a cringe-worthy song video for Khatyayini’s birthday, which her father accidentally sees—an episode that’s both hilarious and relatable for the social media generation.However, the writing falters in the second half, where the film struggles to maintain momentum. The story’s simplicity, while intentional, becomes a liability as the narrative meanders without significant conflict or emotional depth. The age-gap “twist” feels underwhelming, and the climax is rushed, leaving some plot threads unresolved. Critics have noted that Little Hearts feels more like an extended YouTube skit than a full-fledged cinematic experience, a sentiment echoed in reviews that call it “a timepass rom-com” with occasional pacing issues.Technical Aspects: A Solid FoundationTechnically, Little Hearts punches above its weight for a modest production. Sinjith Yerramilli’s music is a highlight, with pleasant songs like the “Katyayini” track and a conversational number about the lovers’ longing adding emotional and comedic heft. The background score complements the film’s youthful vibe, enhancing both the romantic and humorous moments. Suriya Balaji’s cinematography captures the coaching center setting with authenticity, while Sreedhar Sompally’s editing keeps the film crisp at 127 minutes. Manikka Prabhu C S’s sound design adds to the college atmosphere, making the setting feel lived-in and relatable.Strengths and WeaknessesLittle Hearts excels as a feel-good entertainer aimed at a specific audience—youngsters hooked on memes, YouTube skits, and social media culture. Its self-aware silliness, coupled with Mouli’s sparkling debut and the ensemble’s natural performances, ensures a steady stream of laughs. The film’s Gen-Z twist on classic rom-com tropes, such as bunking classes and pranks on parents, adds a fresh layer to the genre. Reviews praise its “relentless laughathon” quality and its ability to subvert expectations by avoiding heavy sentimentality, a trap many comedies fall into.Yet, the film’s biggest strength—its simplicity—is also its Achilles’ heel. The lack of a substantial story or meaningful conflict makes it feel fleeting, with some reviews likening it to a “forgettable time-killer.” The second half’s uneven pacing and repetitive humor dilute the initial charm, and the film misses opportunities to explore themes like personal aspirations versus familial expectations with more depth. While it doesn’t aim for groundbreaking cinema, its reliance on gags over substance limits its appeal beyond its target demographic.Audience Appeal and Final VerdictLittle Hearts is a film that knows its audience and plays to their sensibilities. If you’re a young viewer looking for a light, undemanding escape filled with relatable humor and pop-culture nods, this movie delivers. It’s best enjoyed in a packed theater, where the collective laughter amplifies its charm. However, those seeking a more layered narrative or emotional resonance may find it lacking. With ratings ranging from 2.75/5 to 4/5 across reviews, the consensus is that it’s a fun, if flawed, rom-com that works best with tempered expectations.For Telugu cinema enthusiasts or rom-com lovers, Little Hearts offers a nostalgic throwback to the early social media era, capturing the quirks of youth in the 2010s. Its theatrical release, initially intended for ETV Win’s OTT platform, proves to be a smart move, as the big screen enhances its comedic highs. While it won’t redefine the genre, it’s a worthy stress-buster for a fun night out.
Rating: 3/5
Rating: 3/5