A lively campus romance laced with humour, nostalgia, and youthful charm, Little Hearts arrives as a refreshing watch for those who grew up in the pre-Jio era. Marking the acting debut of YouTuber Mouli Tanuj Prashanth, this rom-com directed by newcomer Sai Marthand made its theatrical bow on 5 September 2025, and has quickly become a talking point among younger audiences.
A simple story with big laughs
The film introduces Nalli Akhil Kumar, played by Mouli, a struggling student whose low EAMCET rank forces him into a long-term MPC coaching centre. His father, Nalli Gopal Rao (Rajeev Kanakala), dreams of his son becoming an engineer, pushing Akhil into a world of endless exams and instructions. Within this stressful environment, Akhil befriends Khatyayani, a fellow struggler from the BiPC stream portrayed by Shivani Nagaram.
Their romance grows amid the chaos of sleepless study sessions and classroom clashes between MPC and BiPC students. However, Akhil’s discovery that Khatyayani is three years older than him shakes the foundation of their budding relationship. Despite this twist, the film finds its strength in comedy rather than emotional complexity.
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The storyline captures a slice of life from Facebook-era campus culture, brimming with mischievous pranks, relatable friendships, and nostalgic details that make audiences laugh and reminisce.
Performances that sparkle
Mouli emerges as the true highlight of Little Hearts. His effortless humour and natural screen presence make Akhil a character both funny and endearing. Critics often draw parallels to the charm of young comic stars, and for good reason—his expressions land perfectly, his comic timing feels unforced, and he owns every frame without attempting to be a conventional hero.
Shivani Nagaram provides a fine balance to Mouli’s performance, displaying warmth and authenticity in her role. Together, their chemistry feels genuine, playful, and easy on the eyes. The supporting cast deepens the film’s humour: Rajeev Kanakala gives quiet weight as the worried father, Jai Krishna livens up scenes with boundless energy, and even Akhil’s cynical friend Madhu adds flavour with his snarky humour. Contributions from SS Kanchi, Anitha Chowdary, and Nikhil Abburi create a well-rounded ensemble that keeps the laughter going.
Comic style and audience buzz
Director Sai Marthand brings a confident hand to staging comedy, ensuring breezy pacing and vibrant energy. Though the film’s script is straightforward, its visual style stands out, filled with colourful frames, playful graphics, and sharp editing that maintains momentum.
The music by Sinjith Yerramilli enhances the mood, especially through hilarious tracks like Kathyayani and Raja Vaaru, which elevate lighter moments and keep the humour consistent.
Audience reception has been resoundingly positive. Packed premieres in Hyderabad drew overwhelming laughter, with social media calling the film a riot. Young viewers, especially collegegoers, connect instantly with its short-form comedy style and nostalgia-driven humour. While the second half loses some steam and the climax feels hurried, these flaws are easily forgiven when weighed against the overall experience.
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Final verdict
Little Hearts doesn’t attempt to reinvent the rom-com but delivers exactly what it promises: a carefree ride full of laughs, relatable college-life memories, and lively performances. Mouli’s impressive debut, charming chemistry with Shivani, and clever use of campus humour make it an enjoyable pick for youth audiences and a worthy weekend entertainer.
Rating: 3.5/5 – A fun, easygoing rom-com that values humour above all, landing as a solid crowd-pleaser for its intended audience.
