Starring: Teja Sajja, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Amritha Aiyer, Vinay Rai, Samuthirakani, Vennela Kishore, Raj Deepak Shetty, Getup Srinu, Satya
Director: Prasanth Varma
Producer: Niranjan Reddy
Music Directors: Gowra Hari, Anudeep Dev, Krishna Saurabh
The much-anticipated film “Hanu-Man,” directed by Prasanth Varma and starring Teja Sajja, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, and Amritha Aiyer, has finally hit the screens. Let’s dive into whether the movie lived up to the hype.
Story:
Hanumanthu (Teja Sajja), a small-time thief from Anjanadhri, finds himself entangled in a web of events involving his elder sister Anjamma (Varalaxmi Sarathkumar) and his love interest Meenakshi (Amritha Aiyer). The story takes a turn when Gajapathi (Raj Deepak Shetty) claims to be the savior of Anjanadhri but holds control over the villagers. Hanumanthu’s life takes a supernatural twist when he discovers a precious stone that grants him extraordinary powers. The narrative unfolds as he grapples with these newfound abilities and confronts challenges involving Gajapathi and the mysterious Micheal (Vinay Rai).
Highlights:
“Hanu-Man” succeeds in delivering spine-chilling moments and injecting humor. Prasanth Varma skillfully crafts sequences that exalt Lord Hanuman, heightened by an impactful background score by Gowra Hari.
The film’s lengthy finale, enriched with impressive VFX, stands out as a visual spectacle. The second half is marked by heightened drama, emotions, and well-executed high points that keep the audience engaged.
Teja Sajja delivers a commendable performance, portraying vulnerability and conviction in his underdog role. Varalaxmi Sarathkumar and Amritha Aiyer contribute positively to the film’s dynamics.
The narrative gains momentum as Teja’s character acquires superpowers, and the inclusion of star heroes’ references and engaging comedy scenes adds to the entertainment. The interval action block is both impactful and entertaining.
Drawbacks:
The film falls short in offering a unique storyline, as it treads familiar ground with the concept of a villain seeking world domination through superpowers. The antagonist’s character lacks depth, and the writing in this aspect could have been more nuanced.
The initial forty minutes of the film lack a certain spark, and despite efforts, there are areas in visual effects that could be enhanced. A night sequence in the first half suffers from clarity issues and subpar execution.
Technical Aspects:
Gowra Hari’s background score, particularly during the climax, stands out. Cinematography by Shivendra is commendable, but the editing could have been more refined.
Prasanth Varma’s directorial vision shines through, infusing the narrative with high moments and effectively elevating the presence of Lord Hanuman with impactful dialogues and background score.
Verdict:
“Hanu-Man” emerges as an engaging superhero film, delivering thrills and humor. Despite a somewhat predictable storyline, Prasanth Varma manages to sustain audience interest, especially in the riveting last half-hour. The film showcases strong performances and proves to be a worthwhile watch for the Sankranti season, despite minor pacing issues in certain scenes.