Little Hearts (2025), a Telugu-language romantic comedy directed by debutant Sai Marthand and produced by Aditya Haasan, is a vibrant, youth-oriented film that thrives on its quirky humour and nostalgic charm. Starring YouTuber-turned-actor Mouli Tanuj Prashanth and Shivani Nagaram, the film is set against the backdrop of Hyderabad’s competitive EAMCET coaching culture in 2015.

With a runtime of 127 minutes, Little Hearts promises a lighthearted escape, blending situational comedy, pop culture references, and a coming-of-age love story. While it succeeds in delivering consistent laughs and relatable moments, its wafer-thin plot and lack of emotional weight prevent it from leaving a lasting impact. This review explores the film’s strengths, weaknesses, and overall appeal, drawing on critical and audience reception to provide a comprehensive analysis.

Little Hearts follows Nalli Akhil Kumar (Mouli Tanuj Prashanth), a carefree, academically challenged teenager whose father, Nalli Gopal Rao (Rajeev Kanakala), dreams of seeing him become an IT engineer. After bombing the EAMCET exam, Akhil is enrolled in a long-term MPC coaching center in Hyderabad. There, he meets Khatyayani (Shivani Nagaram), a fellow student struggling with her MBBS aspirations in the BiPC stream.

Fresh from a breakup with his superficial ex-girlfriend, Sameera, Akhil falls for Khatyayani’s charm, only to face rejection for an unexpected reason—she’s three years older than him. Undeterred, Akhil embarks on a humorous journey of persistence and personal growth, navigating parental expectations, societal pressures, and his own evolving understanding of love. The narrative spans a decade, from 2015 to 2025, culminating in a resolution that, while heartwarming, feels somewhat rushed and simplistic.

Performances: A Lively Ensemble

The cast of Little Hearts is one of its strongest assets, with each actor bringing energy and authenticity to their roles. Mouli Tanuj Prashanth, known for his comedic sketches and the web series 90’s – A Middle Class Biopic, slips effortlessly into the role of Akhil. His natural charisma and impeccable comic timing make him the heart of the film, particularly in scenes where his deadpan expressions and witty one-liners spark laughter.

Mouli’s ability to embody a relatable, slightly hapless teen resonates with the target audience, though some viewers have noted that his comedic persona overshadows his potential as a romantic lead.

Shivani Nagaram, as Khatyayani, delivers a grounded performance that balances charm and restraint. As the only mature character among a group of boisterous teens, she navigates her role with sincerity, conveying both vulnerability and determination. Her chemistry with Mouli is authentic, evolving naturally from awkward banter to heartfelt connection, which anchors the film’s romantic thread.

The supporting cast adds significant flavour to the film. Jai Krishna, playing Akhil’s friend Madhu, is a standout, stealing scenes with his sharp wit and pessimistic humour. His predictions, such as declaring Baahubali: The Beginning a flop, provide some of the film’s funniest moments.

Rajeev Kanakala, as Akhil’s strict yet well-meaning father, brings warmth and relatability, while SS Kanchi, Anitha Chowdary, and Satya Krishnan deliver solid performances as the parents, blending humour with emotional nuance.

Direction and Writing: A Mixed Bag

Sai Marthand’s directorial debut is confident, particularly in its handling of comedy. The screenplay, also written by Marthand, prioritizes situational humour and witty dialogue over a robust narrative, a choice that both defines the film’s appeal and limits its scope.

The film is self-aware, openly embracing its silliness, which makes it engaging for its target demographic—youth hooked on social media and meme culture. References to Baahubali, outdated smartphones, and the early days of Facebook ground the story in 2015, evoking nostalgia for millennials and Gen Z audiences who grew up in that era.

However, the story itself is undeniably thin. The central conflict—Akhil and Khatyayani’s age gap and their parents’ disapproval—lacks depth, and the resolution feels restrained and predictable. The film avoids heavy drama, opting instead for lighthearted gags, but this leaves it feeling more like an extended YouTube skit than a fully realized cinematic experience. While this simplicity suits its comedic goals, it may disappoint viewers seeking emotional resonance or a more substantial plot. The second half, in particular, suffers from pacing issues, with some scenes dragging and others feeling rushed, especially the climax.

Technical Aspects: Polished Yet Unassuming

Technically, Little Hearts is competent but not flashy. Suriya Balaji’s cinematography captures the vibrancy of Hyderabad’s coaching centers and middle-class neighbourhoods, using a bright colour palette to enhance the film’s playful tone. The production design, with its focus on 2015-specific details like old computers and Baahubali posters, adds authenticity without overwhelming the narrative.

Sinjith Yerramilli’s music is a highlight, with catchy songs like “Rajagadiki” and “Chaduvu Ledu” complementing the youthful energy. The background score effectively underscores both the comedic and emotional moments, though it doesn’t break new ground. Sreedhar Sompally’s editing is serviceable but could have been tighter in the second half to maintain momentum.

Themes and Appeal: Nostalgia Meets Youthful Chaos

At its core, Little Hearts is a celebration of youthful misfits navigating love, friendship, and societal expectations. The film taps into the universal experience of chasing dreams under parental pressure, particularly in the context of India’s hyper-competitive education system. Its setting in a coaching center, where students grapple with academic failure and personal aspirations, feels relatable to anyone who’s faced similar struggles.

The inclusion of pop culture references and the early social media era adds a layer of nostalgia that resonates with audiences born in the late ’80s and ’90s.

The film’s humour, driven by sharp one-liners and classroom banter, is its biggest strength. It doesn’t shy away from embracing its quirks, such as Akhil’s obsession with Khatyayani’s French plait or Madhu’s cynical commentary. However, its focus on comedy over substance means it lacks the emotional depth of other Telugu rom-coms like Pelli Choopulu or Jathi Ratnalu, which balanced humour with compelling narratives. Little Hearts is content to be a “timepass” entertainer, and for its target audience, it delivers on that promise.

Reception and Box Office Performance

Little Hearts has garnered mixed to positive reviews, with critics praising its humour and performances but noting its lack of narrative depth. It holds a 3/5 rating from 123telugu.com and a 2.75/5 from greatandhra.com, reflecting its appeal as a fun but forgettable watch.

On IMDb, it boasts an impressive 8.2/10, though this may be skewed by enthusiastic fan reviews. Audience reactions on platforms like Reddit highlight its comedic success, with many calling it a “laughter riot” and praising Mouli and Jai Krishna’s performances. However, some viewers felt the story was too simplistic, comparing it to a stretched short film.

Financially, the film has been a surprise hit. Made on a modest budget of Rs. 2.45 crores, with an additional Rs. 1.25 crores for promotions, it grossed over Rs. 22 crores within a week and is projected to reach Rs. 30 crores worldwide, with strong performance in overseas markets. Its viral marketing and positive word-of-mouth have contributed to its success, proving that small-scale films can resonate with audiences when executed well.

Comparison to the 2024 Malayalam Film

It’s worth noting that Little Hearts (2025) shares its title with a 2024 Malayalam film, leading to some confusion. The Malayalam version, a romantic black comedy starring Shane Nigam and Mahima Nambiar, received mixed reviews for its handling of sensitive themes like queer identity, earning a 3.5/5 from Times Now but lower scores elsewhere. The Telugu Little Hearts is distinct, focusing on lighthearted teen romance without the social commentary of its predecessor. This review focuses solely on the 2025 Telugu film, as the 2024 film is unrelated in narrative and intent.

Final Verdict

Little Hearts (2025) is a breezy, nostalgic rom-com that excels as a comedic stress-buster but falls short as a memorable cinematic experience. Its strength lies in its relatability, strong performances, and vibrant depiction of 2015 Hyderabad, making it a hit with young audiences seeking light entertainment.

Mouli Tanuj Prashanth and Jai Krishna shine, while Shivani Nagaram adds charm to the predictable love story. However, the film’s thin plot, pacing issues, and lack of emotional depth limit its appeal to a specific demographic—teens and young adults who vibe with its meme-heavy, pop culture-fueled energy. For those craving a deeper narrative or universal appeal, it may feel like a missed opportunity. Ultimately, Little Hearts is a fun, no-frills watch that delivers laughs and nostalgia, perfect for a weekend escape but unlikely to linger in the mind.

Rating: 3/5
Recommended for: Fans of lighthearted teen comedies, social media enthusiasts, and those nostalgic for the mid-2010s.
Skip if: You prefer story-driven films with emotional weight or complex narratives.