Review: Little Hearts: Delightful And Entertaining

 

Movie: Little Hearts
Rating: 3.25/5

Cast: Mouli, Shivani Nagaram, Jai Krishna, Rajiv Kanakala, Nikhil Abburi, Kanchi, Satya Krishnan, and others

Director: Sai Marthand

Produced By: Aditya Hasan

Release Date: 05-09-2025

Story:

Akhil (Mouli) isn’t exactly the brightest student, but his father, Nalli Gopal Rao (Rajiv Kanakala), is determined to see him become an engineer. After scoring poorly in EAMCET, Akhil lands in a long-term MPC coaching center, where he meets Katyayani (Shivani Nagaram), a fellow struggler from the BiPC stream. As their bond slowly turns into love, the film unfolds as a light-hearted and humorous take on how the young couple navigates the ups and downs of their relationship and learns to overcome them together

Performances:

Mouli anchors the film with effortless comic timing and an endearing simplicity that makes his character instantly likable. His innocent expressions and natural delivery never feel overdone, adding charm to every scene. Shivani Nagaram complements him beautifully with her graceful screen presence, and their chemistry feels authentic, especially in the lighter moments.

Jai Krishna injects vibrant energy as the hero’s friend, while Rajiv Kanakala gives a perfect impact with a commanding presence. Nikhil Abburi makes a good impression, and the supporting cast, which includes Kanchi, Satya Krishnan, and others are good.

What worked for the Film:

From start to finish, the film serves up a steady stream of laughs, cleverly weaving in real-life references from the past decade, such as the rise of Jio SIMs and the impact of the COVID pandemic into its storyline. The nods to Baahubali Parts 1 and 2 are especially fun, adding a quirky layer to the lead couple’s romantic journey. Akhil’s attempts to woo Katyayani through song are laugh-out-loud moments, and the humor throughout feels organic rather than forced. Even the songs are well-placed, enhancing the narrative without disrupting its rhythm.

What did not work for the film:

The film experiences a slight slowdown in momentum around the interval, with the narrative losing some of its earlier energy. Additionally, the repeated use of the term "Aunty" begins to feel excessive, slightly diluting its comedic impact.

Little Hearts Review and Verdict:

Sai Marthand's Little Hearts is an easygoing, fun watch packed with laughs. With his distinct sense of humor, Mouli really drives the plot forward, and Shivani Nagaram adds charm to her character. Jai Krishna stands out in the supporting character as well.