Little Hearts (2025) Telugu Movie Review: A Nostalgic Rom-Com That Packs a Punch

A Heartwarming Plot Rooted in Nostalgia

Set in Hyderabad in 2015 Little Hearts revolves around Akhil (Mouli Tanuj Prasanth) a carefree teenager who’s more interested in cinema songs and flirting than cracking the EAMCET exam. Forced by his strict father Mohan Rao (Rajeev Kanakala) to join a long-term coaching programme for engineering Akhil’s life takes a turn when he meets Kathyayani (Shivani Nagaram) a fellow student struggling with her medical entrance exams. Their romance blossoms amidst the chaos of coaching centres societal expectations and the dreams of a generation caught between tradition and ambition.

The story follows their awkward yet endearing love story peppered with humorous misadventures and pop culture references. From Baahubali mania to YouTube binges the film captures the essence of the mid-2010s making it a nostalgic ride for those who grew up during that era. The narrative doesn’t aim for grand twists or melodrama instead it thrives on its simplicity and relatability focusing on the small everyday moments that define young love.

What sets Little Hearts apart is its dedication to “memers” as declared in the opening credits. The film is unapologetically light-hearted embracing a sense of silliness that’s rare in recent Telugu cinema. It’s a story about misfits finding love and purpose and it does so with a refreshing lack of pretension.

Stellar Performances That Steal the Show

Mouli Tanuj Prasanth: A Natural Entertainer

Mouli Tanuj Prasanth known for his YouTube sketches and the web series 90s – A Middle Class Biopic makes a sparkling big-screen debut. His portrayal of Akhil is effortless blending innocence mischief and optimism. Mouli’s comic timing is impeccable and his deadpan dialogue delivery elicits laughs even in the most mundane scenes. Whether he’s navigating his father’s strict rules or wooing Kathyayani with quirky gestures Mouli brings a fresh energy that makes Akhil instantly likeable. His “innocently intelligent” persona as described by critics adds depth to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional.

Shivani Nagaram: The Perfect Foil

Shivani Nagaram complements Mouli perfectly as Kathyayani. Her performance is natural and understated capturing the charm of a girl caught between her parents’ expectations and her own desires. Shivani’s chemistry with Mouli is one of the film’s highlights making their romance feel authentic and heartfelt. Her ability to convey both vulnerability and spunk makes Kathyayani a relatable character for young audiences.

Supporting Cast: Adding Layers of Humour

The supporting cast elevates Little Hearts to another level. Jai Krishna as Akhil’s cynical friend Madhu is a revelation. His straight-faced humour and pessimistic one-liners including his infamous prediction that Baahubali would flop steal the show. Rajeev Kanakala delivers a standout performance as Akhil’s stern yet loving father bringing both authority and warmth to the role. SS Kanchi as Kathyayani’s father adds humour with his exasperated reactions to the couple’s antics. Anitha Chowdary and Satya Krishnan playing the mothers provide emotional grounding while the ensemble of friends including Nikhil Abburi keeps the energy high with their banter.

Direction and Screenplay: Sai Marthand’s Winning Formula

Debutant director Sai Marthand deserves applause for crafting a film that’s both entertaining and relatable. His writing is sharp with dialogues that resonate with the youth. The screenplay is peppered with witty one-liners and pop culture references from Avatar to the telecom boom that hit the mark more often than not. While the story itself is thin Marthand compensates with a steady flow of humour and memorable moments such as Akhil’s cringe-worthy yet heartfelt birthday video for Kathyayani.

The film’s pacing falters slightly in the first half with some scenes feeling repetitive. However, the narrative picks up post-interval delivering a pleasant twist that adds depth to the romance. Marthand’s ability to balance humour with subtle emotional beats ensures that Little Hearts never feels heavy-handed. His focus on the coaching centre culture and the pressures of academic life strikes a chord with anyone who’s navigated the competitive world of entrance exams.

Technical Brilliance: Music Cinematography and More

Music by Sinjith Yerramilli

Sinjith Yerramilli’s music is a major asset enhancing both the comedic and emotional moments. The background score is lively complementing the film’s youthful vibe, while the songs are catchy and well-integrated into the narrative. Unlike many recent Telugu films where songs feel forced Little Hearts uses its music to elevate the storytelling making it a memorable part of the experience.

Cinematography and Editing

Suriya Balaji’s cinematography captures the vibrant essence of Hyderabad from bustling coaching centres to quiet suburban streets. The use of bright colours and dynamic framing adds to the film’s energetic feel. The editing by Sreedhar Sompally is crisp ensuring the 127-minute runtime feels breezy. The snappy edit pattern combined with clever graphics keeps the visuals engaging, especially in scenes that mimic social media reels.

Production Design

While the production values are modest they suit the film’s grounded narrative. The coaching centre sets and middle-class homes feel authentic adding to the relatability. The film’s aesthetic is polished yet intimate striking a balance between commercial appeal and local charm.

Why Little Hearts Stands Out

Little Hearts succeeds because it knows its audience young viewers who consume reels memes and YouTube content. The film’s irreverent tone coupled with its self-aware humour makes it a refreshing departure from the hyper-masculine action films dominating Telugu cinema. It’s a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously yet it delivers moments of genuine emotion particularly in scenes exploring family dynamics and personal growth.

The film’s tribute to Baahubali is a clever touch drawing parallels between an unlikely romance and the unexpected success of SS Rajamouli’s epic. This meta-commentary along with references to the cultural zeitgeist of 2015 makes Little Hearts a love letter to the youth of that era. It’s a film that celebrates the beauty of ordinary lives and the joy of small victories whether it’s passing an exam or winning someone’s heart.

Why You Should Watch Little Hearts

If you’re a fan of light-hearted rom-coms like Jathi Ratnalu or DJ Tillu Little Hearts is right up your alley. It’s a film that doesn’t pretend to be profound but excels in delivering laughs and feel-good moments. The performances especially by Mouli and Jai Krishna are worth the ticket price and the nostalgic references will leave you smiling. Whether you’re a 90s kid or a Gen Z viewer the film’s universal themes of love friendship and chasing dreams make it a delightful watch.

For those looking for a break from intense dramas or action-packed blockbusters Little Hearts offers a refreshing change of pace. It’s a film that celebrates the quirks of youth and the joy of living in the moment making it a must-watch for anyone craving a dose of laughter and nostalgia.

Final Verdict

Little Hearts is a breezy unpretentious rom-com that delivers exactly what it promises a fun nostalgic ride filled with laughter and heart. While it may not have the depth of a classic love story its infectious energy sharp dialogues and relatable characters make it a winner. Sai Marthand’s directorial debut is a testament to the power of simple storytelling and Mouli Tanuj Prasanth’s transition from YouTube to the big screen is nothing short of impressive. Grab your friends head to the theatre and enjoy this light-hearted gem.