Little Hearts (2025) brings together the innocence of first love, the chaos of student life, and a steady dose of laughter. Directed by debutant Sai Marthand, this Telugu rom-com blends relatable characters, campus humor, and lighthearted romance into a film that speaks directly to today’s youth. With Mouli Tanuj Prashanth and Shivani Nagaram leading the way, the movie captures the quirks and confusions of young love against the backdrop of long-term coaching centers.
Story and Setup
Set in 2015, the film follows Akhil, a carefree engineering aspirant more interested in snacks, friends, and fun than academics. His father, played by Rajeev Kanakala, insists he buckle down, but Akhil’s life takes a turn when he meets Khatyayini, a fellow struggler preparing for medical entrance exams after multiple failed attempts. What begins as harmless flirting and awkward attempts at impressing her soon grows into a genuine bond. But when the couple faces parental disapproval and personal setbacks, their relationship is put to the test. The story is simple, but the humor and charm of the characters keep it engaging.
Performances
Mouli Tanuj Prashanth makes a confident transition from YouTube and web sketches to the big screen. His boy-next-door appeal, poker-faced humor, and comic timing make Akhil instantly likable. Shivani Nagaram balances the silliness with maturity, portraying Khatyayini as grounded yet endearing. Her growth arc feels natural, and her chemistry with Mouli feels fresh. Rajeev Kanakala, SS Kanchi, Anitha Chowdary, and Sathya Krishnan shine in parental roles, adding warmth and comedy instead of being mere background figures. Jai Krishna is a major scene-stealer, delivering some of the funniest lines in the film and complementing Mouli perfectly.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The film thrives on its humor and relatability. The dialogues are witty, filled with playful pop-culture references, and the everyday situations—like bunking classes, awkward crushes, and parental expectations—hit close to home. The vibrant visual palette and catchy soundtrack by Sinjith Yerramilli give the film youthful energy. At just over two hours, its crisp runtime ensures the fun doesn’t drag.
However, the narrative remains predictable and the conflict feels underwhelming. Some strong supporting characters, especially Rajeev Kanakala’s father figure, deserved more screen time. The climax resolves too quickly, leaving little emotional weight. Those looking for depth or drama may find the film too lighthearted, as it mostly skims the surface rather than diving deeper into its themes.
Technical Aspects
Sai Marthand delivers a confident debut, keeping the tone fun and irreverent, though the script could have been tighter. Suriya Balaji’s cinematography adds freshness while staying grounded in everyday settings. Sinjith Yerramilli’s songs and background score capture the film’s playful, youthful vibe and elevate key moments. Editing by Sreedhar Sompally maintains breezy pacing, though the second half could have been sharper.
Verdict
Little Hearts isn’t groundbreaking cinema, but it doesn’t try to be. Instead, it delivers what it promises—a fun, feel-good romantic comedy filled with laughter, nostalgic campus vibes, and youthful energy. With strong performances from Mouli and Shivani, along with a lively supporting cast, this film is a refreshing escape from the usual heavy dramas and action thrillers.
Bullseye Rating:★★★½ (3.5/5 stars)
Little Hearts (2025) is a fun-filled Telugu rom-com that charms with humor, youthful energy, and strong performances, even if its story plays it safe. Now playing in theatres.
