Released on September 5, 2025, Little Hearts has swiftly captured the imagination of Telugu cinema audiences, emerging as an unexpected box office hit. Directed by debutant Sai Marthand and produced by Aditya Haasan, this youthful romantic comedy stars YouTube sensation Mouli Tanuj Prasanth and newcomer Shivani Nagaram in lead roles, supported by a talented ensemble including Rajeev Kanakala, Jai Krishna, and SS Kanchi. Originally conceived as an OTT project for ETV Win, the film’s positive trailer response prompted a theatrical release, a decision that has paid off handsomely. With a modest budget of about ₹2 crore, Little Hearts has raked in over ₹9.5 crore in its first week, boasting a staggering 375% profit and earning widespread praise for its light-hearted charm and relatable storytelling.
Set against the backdrop of Hyderabad’s coaching culture in 2015, Little Hearts follows the journey of Nalli Akhil (Mouli Tanuj), an academically challenged teenager with little interest in engineering, and Khatyayani (Shivani Nagaram), a determined MBBS aspirant. The narrative unfolds as the two cross paths during their long-term EAMCET coaching, sparking a quirky romance amidst societal pressures and personal ambitions. The film cleverly blends nostalgia with modern humor, weaving in pop culture references like Baahubali mania and the telecom boom, resonating deeply with the late ’80s and ’90s generation as well as today’s youth. Its dedication to “all memers” in the opening credits sets the tone for a film that celebrates internet culture and youthful exuberance.
Mouli Tanuj, transitioning from YouTube skits to the silver screen, delivers a breakout performance as Akhil. His effortless comic timing and relatable portrayal of a carefree yet endearing underachiever steal the show. The classroom banter and coaching-center chaos scenes, where he shines with spontaneous humor, are among the film’s highlights. Shivani Nagaram, making her acting debut, matches Mouli’s energy as Khatyayani, bringing charm and depth to a character balancing academic dreams with emotional vulnerability. The chemistry between the leads is a cornerstone of the film’s success, making their love story both believable and engaging. Supporting actors like Jai Krishna, as Akhil’s sarcastic friend Madhu, and Rajeev Kanakala, as Akhil’s strict yet caring father, add layers to the narrative, with Krishna’s deadpan delivery often eliciting the loudest laughs.
Technically, Little Hearts punches above its weight. Sinjith Yerramilli’s music complements the film’s vibe, with songs like “Rajagadiki” and “Chaduvu Ledu” adding a melodic touch to the nostalgic setting. The background score enhances the emotional beats, while Suriya Balaji’s cinematography captures the essence of Hyderabad’s bustling streets and coaching hubs with a fresh perspective. Sreedhar Sompally’s editing keeps the pace brisk, ensuring the 127-minute runtime never feels dragged despite a slightly loose first half. The film’s production values, though modest, are polished, reflecting a conscious effort to prioritize content over grandeur.
The storyline, while not groundbreaking, is its strength in simplicity. It traces Akhil and Khatyayani’s romance over a decade, from their coaching days to 2025, touching on themes of love, friendship, and personal growth. The plot avoids heavy drama, instead relying on situational comedy and witty one-liners to drive the narrative. A notable twist involving Khatyayani’s age gap with Akhil adds a humorous yet heartfelt layer, though the climax feels rushed, slightly undermining the buildup. Critics have noted the thin plot as a drawback, comparing it to extended YouTube skits, but the film compensates with its unrelenting entertainment value aimed at a young, meme-savvy audience.
Little Hearts shines brightest in its humor, which is both situational and dialogue-driven. Scenes like Akhil’s accidental song video going viral among Khatyayani’s family and Madhu’s pessimistic predictions about their romance—likening it to Baahubali’s initial reception—generate consistent laughs. The film’s irreverence, embracing quirks like Khatyayani’s oil-drenched French plait as a deterrent for suitors, adds a unique flavor. However, some punchlines lose steam with repetition, and the lack of a deeper emotional arc might not appeal to viewers seeking a conventional cinematic experience.
The film’s cultural resonance lies in its portrayal of the EAMCET grind, a relatable struggle for many Indian students. It reflects the pressure of parental expectations and the pursuit of IT or medical careers, mirroring the aspirations of a generation shaped by coaching institutes. Pop culture nods, from Avatar references to the COVID pandemic’s mention, ground the story in a recognizable timeline, making it a time capsule of sorts. This connection has fueled its word-of-mouth success, with over 98,000 BookMyShow tickets sold in 24 hours, a testament to its appeal among college-goers and young professionals.
Box office numbers tell a remarkable story. Opening with ₹1.35 crore, Little Hearts surged to ₹3.65 crore on its third day, surpassing the lifetime profits of Venkatesh’s Sankranthiki Vasthunam (273%) to become the second most profitable Telugu film of 2025. Its 59% jump from the opening day reflects stellar word-of-mouth, with weekend collections pushing it past ₹9.5 crore net in India. This success has outshone bigger releases like Anushka Shetty’s Ghaati and Sivakarthikeyan’s Madharaasi, proving that content-driven films can thrive in a market dominated by mass entertainers.
Celebrity endorsements have amplified its reach. Vijay Deverakonda tweeted his admiration, calling it a “breezy fun film,” while Nani lauded its laugh-out-loud moments. The positive buzz has also secured its OTT future on ETV Win, where it’s expected to draw even larger audiences post-theatrical run. This cross-platform success highlights the evolving tastes of Telugu viewers, who are increasingly embracing fresh narratives over star power.
However, Little Hearts isn’t without flaws. The first half struggles with pacing, and the climax’s abrupt resolution leaves some threads unresolved. Its niche appeal—tailored for Gen Z and social media enthusiasts—might alienate older audiences or those seeking a more traditional love story. Yet, these shortcomings are overshadowed by its infectious energy and sincerity.
In conclusion, Little Hearts is a refreshing addition to Telugu cinema, blending humor, nostalgia, and youthful romance with remarkable finesse. It’s not a cinematic masterpiece, but as a light-hearted escape, it delivers abundantly. For fans of rom-coms and those who grew up on coaching-center dreams, this film is a must-watch. With its financial triumph and critical acclaim, Little Hearts signals a bright future for its cast and crew, marking Sai Marthand as a director to watch. As it continues to win hearts, this little film proves that big stories can come in small packages.
+ There are no comments
Add yours