‘Hanu-Man’ review: Desi Superhero entertains

Prasanth Varma and Teja Sajja’s “Hanu-Man” is one film that has caught the attention of one and all over the past few months. This film grabbed interest of many in between of biggies which are going to release this Sankranthi. The makers promoted the movie aggressively. The team is highly confident and let’s see whether “Hanu-Man” live up to the massive expectations surrounding it.

Story

Hanumanthu, portrayed by Teja Sajja and residing in Anjanadhri, leads a life as a small-time thief. Supported by his caring elder sister, Anjamma (Varalaxmi Sarathkumar), Hanumanthu's affections are directed towards Meenakshi (Amritha Aiyer), a fellow resident of Anjanadhri. Gajapathi (Raj Deepak Shetty), initially posing as the village's protector, reveals a hidden agenda by exerting control over the villagers. Meenakshi's rebellion against Gajapathi prompts a conflict, drawing Hanumanthu into the fray as he tries to rescue her. In a twist of fate, Hanumanthu discovers a valuable gem that grants him extraordinary powers. The narrative unfolds with questions: How will Hanumanthu employ his newfound abilities? What role does Micheal (Vinay Rai) play in the unfolding events? To uncover the answers, delve into the film and witness the intriguing storyline.

Analysis

In a cinematic landscape dominated by Marvel and DC movies, there has been a longing for Indian filmmakers to unleash their creative imaginations. While 'Krrish' stands as a notable superhero film series, spanning over two decades, its influence from Hollywood is evident. Exceptions like the recent 'Minnal Murali' aside, many fantasy films in India tend to mimic Hollywood styles, sacrificing relatability. 'Hanu-Man' distinguishes itself by embracing its Indian roots and drawing connections to mythology, offering a refreshing take on the superhero genre.

The film strategically begins by establishing the antagonist's character and backstory, setting the stage for the hero's introduction. While the initial pace may be considered slow, it effectively builds anticipation and lays the foundation for the hero's role as the savior. Anjanadri village is intricately crafted, capturing the audience's attention, especially through the impressive drone shot. The narrative takes its time to develop the village's main characters before delving into the superhero action and drama, creating a sense of connection with the audience.

Hanuman, a revered figure in Indian culture, evokes powerful emotions, as evident in the response to characters like him in movies like 'Adipurush.' Prasanth Neel's creative linking of Hanuman's story and the Ramayana to a supernatural genre resonates well with the audience, tapping into the potential of Indian mythology to create cinematic euphoria.

The movie excels in showcasing the hero's discovery of superpowers and his efforts to convince those around him, offering entertaining and creatively executed scenes. The interval episode adds a thrilling high point to the narrative, keeping the audience engaged. While the film maintains its smooth momentum, the second half encounters a slight dip as the villain's character and scenes become somewhat routine. The dramatic portions, particularly involving the hero's sister, may feel slightly extended, but they do not overtax the audience's patience.

However, the climax revitalizes the film, featuring visually stunning sequences with awe-inspiring visual effects that elicit cheers from viewers. The grandiosity and scale of the visuals contribute to the movie's appeal, leaving the audience awestruck. The film concludes on a satisfying note, hinting at a sequel and ensuring audience contentment. 'Hanu-Man' stands out as a perfect Indian superhero film suitable for family enjoyment, offering a refreshing blend of relatability and mythological connections.

Performances

Teja Sajja delivers an outstanding performance, embodying the role of an aimless young individual with authenticity. His ease in entertaining scenes and maturity in emotional segments showcase his versatile acting skills. As the superhero, his portrayal is convincing, complemented by well-executed styling. Sajja's energy and overall performance emerge as significant assets to the film.

Amritha Aiyer, with her captivating presence, graces the screen with ample time and delivers a commendable performance in her role. Varalaxmi Sarathkumar shines as the hero's sister, displaying remarkable prowess in emotional scenes that add a poignant touch to the movie. Vinay Rai, portraying the antagonist, delivers a solid performance, although his character may remind viewers of a typical Hollywood villain. Vennela Kishore's brief role injects humor, evoking laughter, while Getup Srinu provides entertaining moments as the hero's sidekick. Satya's comedic portions contribute significantly to the film's humor. The ensemble cast, as a whole, aptly fits into their respective roles, enhancing the overall cinematic experience.

Technicalities

Prasanth Varma's directorial vision is outstanding, and the young director successfully caters to the audience with "Hanu-Man." Despite the movie relying on a somewhat overused concept, Varma injects high points at regular intervals, ensuring the audience remains captivated. The impact is elevated significantly in the last twenty minutes, where Varma skillfully presents scenes related to Lord Hanuman. The director's finesse adds a unique dimension to a familiar storyline, making the film engaging and memorable.

Gowra Hari's background score in the film is exceptional, with a standout performance, particularly shining in the climactic sequences. The incorporation of a folk song is visually appealing, while the other musical elements are deemed decent. Shivendra's cinematography is well-executed, presenting a clean and visually pleasing aesthetic. However, the editing falls short, with some sequences feeling prolonged and could benefit from being more concise.

Advantages

Terrific pre-climax and climax

Visuals and Background score

Devotional elements

Drawbacks

Flat narration in first 30 minutes

Predictable scenes in the middle portion

Weak villain

Movie Review by: Suhas Sistu