Story
Hanumanth (Teja Sajja) is a fun-loving youngster in a village called Anjanadri. Michael (Vinay Rai) is obsessed with superhero films and has wanted to become a superhero since childhood. There is a village protector Gajapathi (Raj Deepak Shetty) who creates trouble for the entire villagemen. At this juncture, Hanumanthu gets hold of a magical diamond while trying to save Meenakshi (Amritha Aeyer). Rest of the story is about how this magical diamond changes the fate of the village and Hanumanthu.

Artists Performance

Teja Sajja has given terrific performances as a boy next door and as a superhero. There is an opportunity to do an all-round performance and Teja does complete justice. This film will take him to a higher league. Actress Amritha Aiyer is beautiful and a good performer. Her role is not just a glamorous heroine, but there is more to it. Her character also propels the story. Varalaxmi Sarath Kumar is excellent as the elder sister of the hero. Ravi Teja’s entertaining dubbing for Monkey character is an asset and it plays a vital role in the film. Vinay Rai is good as a wannabe superhero. Getup Srinu is impressive as the hero’s loyal friend. He brings a lot of humor and freshness with his performance. Vennela Kishore is pretty good as the villain’s geeky assistant. Satya provides humor. Samuthirakani played the role of Vibhishana who guides the hero throughout. He is very good. Raj Deepak Shetty is good as a baddie.

Story - screenplay - direction: The story of this film happens in an imaginary village called Anjanadri. Director/Writer Prasanth Varma has written a Chandamama katha type story and added a layer and conflict of a superhero. He has woven Indian mythology/history around it. All these aspects are organically done and don't look forced at all. Prasanth Varma not only narrated the entire film in an engaging way, but also used sound and visuals and added creativity as and when needed. There are references to actors/movies and these are written very naturally (especially NBK’s memes/references). The way he blended history/mythology/Hindu-religion into narration and maximized the devotional aspect towards climax is admirable. Screenplay of the film is very well written. This movie consolidates Prasanth Varma as a big director as he balances story telling with several layers (superhero & divinity). As a story, the film appeals. That’s the strength of Hanu-Man.

Other departments: Cinematography by Dasaradhi Sivendra is superb. He has used the right lenses and composition to deliver ethereal feeling while looking at scenes in Anjanadri. Background score by GowraHari is outstanding. Songs are also well-composed. Loved the song “Avakaya Anjaneya” (composed by Anudeep Dev and written excellently by Simhachalam Mannela) where the elder women prepare avakaya while the superhero makes a pickle out of the baddies. This is one of the best shot songs in recent times. The climax song (composed by Gowrahari) is also excellently shot. Dialogues are natural. Production design of the film is superb. Loved the visualization of the entire village (a huge Hanuman statue on the bank of river and a village that the statue oversaw). The statue at the riverfront reminded me of the Leshan Giant Buddha. Production design by Sri Nagendra Tangala is excellent. VFX are of fine quality and it’s nice to see that the team has delivered such fine output in a very limited budget. It’s only possible if the director knows the process. Editing by Sai Babu Talari is very good. Action sequences are well-composed. Production values by Primeshow Entertainment are firstrate.

Analysis: Director Prasanth Varma has succeeded in narrating a Chandamama katha well. His ability to add a superhero aspect and relate it to our mythology has strengthened the script. He has covered almost all aspects (action, emotion, sentiment, devotion, romance and humor) of a commercial cinema and told a superhero story with modern elements. There are a few dull moments in the initial part of the second half. But these are quickly made up with a very good latter part of the 2nd half. On the whole, Hanu-Man is a well-made entertainer that mixes quite a few genres. Go and watch it!