Hanu-Man Review: Enthralling Desi Super Hero

HanuMan is in the headlines for various reasons. The film is making a strong noise. It is hitting the screens for Sankranthi competing with Superstar Mahesh Babu and director Trivikram Srinivas’ film Guntur Kaaram. This further raises curiosity on HanuMan and what is the confidence of the film’s makers. Let’s find out whether the team’s confidence is right or wrong.

What is it about?

Hanumanth (Teja Sajja), a small-time thief, turns into a superhero due to a powerful stone Mani. He uses these super powers to protect his village Anjanadri from the evil forces. Villain Michael (Vinay Rai) wants to possess this Mani and abuse these powers as Super Hero. The film is the battle between good and evil i.e Hanumanth vs Michael.

Performances

Teja Sajja slips into the role of Hanumanth, an under-dog character who later transforms into a superhero. He fits the bill. Amritha Aiyer as the love interest delivers what is expected of her. Varalaxmi Sarathkumar plays elder sister Anjamma and the brother-sister bond plays a crucial role in the latter half. Villain Vinay Rai’s portions are shortcoming. Comedians Vennela Kishore, Satya and Getup Sreenu done their jobs.

Technicalities:

HanuMan is mounted on a large canvas with high-end technical aspects. While it has its share of shortcomings in terms of writing, it is clearly overcome with the presentation using visuals and background music. The VFX is praiseworthy.

Thumbs Up

Lord Hanuman
Top-notch Visuals, VFX and BGM
Climax

Thumbs Down

The Middle Act
Weak Villain and Liberties

Analysis

HanuMan is a Desi superhero film with a proportionate mixture of devotion, action, emotion and drama. Director Prasanth Varma infused light-hearted humor occasionally. He narrated a linear superhero story using breathtaking visuals and impressive visual effects. Despite having budget constraints, the VFX work is noteworthy in HanuMan. All these aspects in combination work in favour of this superhero film.

Initially, the film takes its time to establish the setting, introducing the character Hanumanth (Teja Sajja) and the village of Anjanadri. Once the foundation is well laid, the narrative becomes engaging. Director Prasanth Varma exhibits a strong command over his craft, with sequences that offer exhilarating highs, and the gripping interval adds to the overall impact. In the first half, director ensured there is good dose of comedy with the support of Satya and Getup Seenu. The fun elements get thumbs up from families and kids.

The well-placed action sequences, though at times defying gravity and lacking in logic, serve their purpose. The Avakayi fight sequence set against a montage song is worth mentioning. Teja Sajja’s transformation into a superhero is convincingly portrayed which scores brownie points. The film nowhere turns boring. The audiences sit through the film where director Prasanth succeeded.

However, the early second half follows a predictable path, with some unnecessary drama that hampers the film’s flow. The middle act of the film is stretched out. The antagonist’s portion is weak and underwhelming, featuring a cliched villain with poorly defined goals, representing a significant drawback.

Nevertheless, the HanuMan factor remains prominent, invoking feelings of devotion and emotion. Lord Hanuman and his well-erected gigantic statue often arouses devotion. This is well-sustained till the end. The film misses some logic. Director Prasanth takes some cinematic liberties. While they work at times, they won’t work at rest.

Having said, the final act is what changes the fate of Hanu Man. It is gripping and engaging to the core. The chants of Jai Shri Ram and Jai Hanuman give goosebumps in theatres. The movie concludes on a positive note, paving the way for a sequel titled “Jai Hanuman,” set to release in 2025.

HanuMan successfully caters to its intended audience, engaging kids and families during the Sankranthi season. In Hindi, this is a perfect time considering the inauguration of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya on 22 January, 2024. All these factors are expected to work for HanuMan.

Verdict: Enthralling Desi Super Hero

Rating: 3/5