Movie Name : Little Hearts
Release Date : Sep 5, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 3/5
Starring : Mouli Tanuj Prashanth, Shivani Nagaram, Rajeev Kanakala, SS Kanchi, Anitha Chowdary, Sathya Krishnan
Director : Sai Marthand
Producer : Aditya Haasan
Music Director : Sinjith Yerramilli
Cinematographer : Suriya Balaji
Editor : Sreedhar Sompally
Related Links : Trailer
YouTuber Mouli Tanuj Prasanth steps into the lead role with Little Hearts. The film, directed by first-timer Sai Marthad and featuring Shivani Nagaram as the female lead, is a youthful rom-com that hits theatres today. Here’s what it has to offer.
Story:
Nalli Akhil Kumar (Mouli) is far from a bright student, though his father, Nalli Gopal Rao (Rajiv Kanakala), is determined to see him become an engineer. After a poor EAMCET rank, Akhil ends up in a long-term MPC coaching center. There, he meets Khatyayani (Shivani Nagaram), a fellow struggler from the BiPC stream. Love blossoms gradually, but just when Akhil plans to confess, an unexpected truth rattles him. What does he learn? How does it affect his feelings for her? And can the relationship survive parental and personal hurdles? That’s what the film explores.
Plus Points:
Mouli carries over the same easy charm that made him popular on YouTube. His comedy feels unforced, his timing is sharp, and those simple, innocent expressions make him instantly relatable. He doesn’t try to act like a larger-than-life hero, and that actually works in his favour.
Shivani Nagaram has a pleasant screen presence, and her pairing with Mouli feels genuine. She matches him in lighter moments and adds warmth to the romantic track.
The supporting cast adds good colour. Jai Krishna is full of energy, Rajiv Kanakala brings weight to his scenes, and Nikhil Abburi chips in as well. Together, they make sure the humour never runs dry.
Some scenes, especially the ones where Akhil tries to impress Khatyayani, are genuinely funny. The jokes don’t feel forced, and a couple of songs blend in without killing the flow.
Minus Points:
The narrative is familiar and feels simple, but the comedy scenes make you forget that most of the time.
The supporting roles could have been utilized better. Both Rajiv Kanakala and Jai Krishna feel underused, and with a bit more screen time, they could have added greater impact.
The pacing dips slightly after the twist but is mostly saved by the comedy. However, the climax wraps up too quickly. A tighter script might have maintained the momentum throughout.
Clearly, the film is aimed at college audiences, targeting youth viewers. It works well for them, but those looking for depth or emotional weight may find it too light.
Technical Aspects:
Director Sai Marthad, in his debut, handles the comedy portions with confidence but can’t escape the weak script. Suriya Balaji’s cinematography is clean, Sinjith Yerramilli’s music adds some mood, and Sreedhar Sompally’s editing could have been sharper in the second half. Production values are fine, nothing flashy, but they do the job.
Verdict:
On the whole, Little Hearts is a timepass rom-com that delivers laughs throughout. Mouli, Shivani, and Jai Krishna keep things lively, but the thin story, occasional pacing issues, and rushed climax prevent it from leaving a stronger impact. It works well with young audiences, who will likely enjoy it. Some viewers may not find it as entertaining, but for most, it’s an enjoyable watch and a good option for the weekend.
123telugu.com Rating: 3/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team
