Hanuman Movie Review: Teja Sajja Shines as a Superhero – Is ‘Hanuman’ a Hit?

Cast: Teja Sajja, Varalakshmi Sarathkumar, Amritha Aiyer, Vinay Rai, Samuthirakani, Vennela Kishore, Raj Deepak Shetty, Getup Srinu, Satya

Director: Prashanth Varma

Music: Gowra Hari, Anudeep Dev, Krishna Saurabh

Cinematography: Shivendra

Editing: Saibaba Talari

Producer: Niranjan Reddy

Under the direction of Prashanth Varma, ‘Hanuman’ features Teja Sajja in the lead role. The film, competing with major releases during Sankranti, managed to attract attention despite its modest budget. From its teaser to the trailer, the film raised expectations among the audience. This review will delve into whether ‘Hanuman’ lives up to these expectations and how its superhero antics have captivated viewers.

Story:

Set in Saurashtra, Michael (played by Vinay Rai) dreams of becoming a superhero from a young age, even eliminating his parents who he perceives as obstacles. Meanwhile, in a small village called Anjanadri, Hanumanthu (Teja Sajja), known for his mischievous antics, suddenly acquires the powers of Hanuman. How did he get these powers? How did they come to exist on Earth? How does Michael learn about Hanumanthu’s powers, and how does Hanumanthu overcome the danger posed by Michael to the villagers? The roles of Vibhishana (Samuthirakani) and Anjamma (Varalakshmi) also play a significant part in the story.

Performances:

Teja Sajja impresses as Hanumanthu, seamlessly transitioning from a common village boy to a superhero. His performance in action and emotional scenes stands out. Amritha Aiyer as Meenakshi adds beauty to her significant role. Varalakshmi Sarathkumar surprises in the second half, and Vinay Rai captivates as a stylish villain. Samuthirakani’s portrayal of Vibhishana adds a unique attraction to the film, while the roles of Getup Srinu, Satya, Vennela Kishore, and Rakesh Master provide comic relief.

Direction:

Director Prashanth Varma has skillfully intertwined a superhero story with mythological elements, keeping the audience engaged throughout. He brings excitement to the narrative, especially with how the villain strives to become a superhero. The picturesque portrayal of Anjanadri village is a visual treat. The story starts slow and details some characters extensively, which might bore the audience. However, once Hanumanthu gains his superpowers, the pace picks up, leading to an exhilarating pre-intermission wrestling scene. Particularly, the action episode where Hanumanthu enters Michael’s stronghold is brilliantly executed. The last 20 minutes of the climax are especially gripping.

Technical Aspects:

The production values of the film are commendable. Within the given budget, director Prashanth has showcased quality visuals and graphics. The combined efforts of three music directors elevate the film’s background score. Shivendra Dasarathi’s cinematography adds another layer of appeal, and Saibaba Talari’s editing is adequate.

Highlights:

• Engaging story background
• Teja Sajja’s performance
• Graphics and background music

Drawbacks:

• Slow-paced scenes in parts

Rating: 3.5/5