Prashanth Varma’s most recent cinematic endeavour, “HanuMan,” is creating a stir among the Indian audience. Hanuman movie release date was on January 12, 2024, coinciding with the festive occasion of Sankranti. The film has received acclaim for its distinctive fusion of humour, mythology, and superhero elements.
Plot and Characters:
The Hanuman unveils the story of Hanumanthu (Teja Sajja), an ordinary guy in the secluded village of Anjanadri, leading a simple life with his sister Anjamma (Varalaxmi Sarathkumar). The narrative takes a turn when Hanumanthu stumbles upon a totem that unlocks extraordinary abilities, grabbing the attention of Michael (Vinay Rai) and Siri (Vennela Kishore). The film centres around Hanumanthu’s journey of self-discovery and his transformation into a formidable superhero.
Positive Audience Reception:
The film has received positive reviews from audiences and critics alike. On IMDb, users praise it as the best portrayal of Bhagwan Hanuman. The interval block is particularly lauded, described as “mind-blowing” with “goosebumps level” excitement.
On the BookMyShow portal, “HanuMan” boasts an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10, showcasing its widespread appeal across different language releases – Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, and Kannada.
Box Office Success:
The Hanuman movie ott has not only won hearts but also conquered the box office. In just five days, the film grossed over ₹120.43 crores (US$15 million), making it the highest-grossing Indian film of 2024 and the top-performing Telugu film of the year.
The Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU):
Director Prasanth Varma, known for his experimental approach to filmmaking, introduces the PVCU with “HanuMan.” Varma weaves a narrative that, while initially reminiscent of a familiar superhero origin story, unveils its unique charm as the plot unfolds.
Character Dynamics and Relationships:
The heart of the film lies in the underdog story of Hanumanthu, echoing the essence of Lord Hanuman. His relationship with his sister, Anjamma, adds emotional depth to the narrative. The film successfully captures the essence of a Sankranti family entertainer, offering a mix of humour, mythology, and superhero action.
Technical Brilliance:
“Hanuman” is a visual treat with commendable cinematography by Dasaradhi Sivendra and music by Anudeep Dev, Gowra Hari, and Krishna Saurabh. The folk song “Avakaya Anjaneya” adds a touch of fun to Hanumanthu’s character development. However, the VFX work in the film is a mixed bag, with standout moments contrasting with less-than-ideal CGI in certain emotional sequences and the climax.
Detailed Film Analysis:
Varma takes his time to build the story, introducing humour through characters like Srinu, Satya, and the charismatic monkey, Koti. The film gains momentum as Hanumanthu discovers his powers, offering an engaging mix of entertainment and self-discovery.
The film’s strengths shine in its depiction of Anjanadri’s universe, supported by the commendable music of Anudeep Dev, Gowra Hari, and Krishna Saurabh, along with Dasaradhi Sivendra’s cinematography. The introduction of a love story and an additional villain, while entertaining, feels disconnected and underdeveloped, leaving viewers longing for a deeper exploration of Michael’s character.
In conclusion, “HanuMan” marks a commendable start to the PVCU, offering a delightful mix of humour, mythology, and superhero elements. While the film could benefit from a more focused narrative and polished CGI, it succeeds in drawing audiences into the unique universe of Anjanadri, leaving them eager to explore more within the PVCU.
Prasanth Varma’s creativity shines through in “HanuMan,” as he integrates Ramayana into a superhero flick with a mythological touch. Teja Sajja delivers a convincing performance as Hanumanthu, the aimless youngster turned superhero. Amritha Aiyer as Meenakshi and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar as Anjamma add depth to the character dynamics.
The film starts by establishing the villain’s character and backstory, setting the stage perfectly for the hero’s introduction. Anjanadri village is wonderfully portrayed, creating a world that instantly captivates the audience. The scenes where Hanumanthu discovers his superpowers and convinces those around him are entertaining, showcasing Prasanth’s creativity.
The second half introduces the villain into the village, and while the film’s pace dips slightly, the climax brings back the excitement. The visual effects in the climax sequences are awe-inspiring, generating cheers from the audience. The film concludes on a perfect note, hinting at a second part, leaving the audience satisfied.
Performance and Technical Excellence:
Teja Sajja’s portrayal of Hanumanthu is both energetic and mature, making him a believable superhero. Amritha Aiyer and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar contribute significantly to the film’s emotional depth. Vinay Rai as the villain, Vennela Kishore, Getup Srinu, and Satya provide entertaining moments.
The Hanuman movie 2024 stands out as a technically rich film, achieving remarkable visuals within a limited budget. The production values and VFX work, though a mixed bag, are commendable. The music elevates the film, especially the Sanskrit verses, creating high emotions.
Prasanth Varma’s vision and determination to bring a unique project to the screen are evident. While the film may have moments of lag and less polished CGI, it successfully delivers a satisfying Indian superhero flick.
Verdict:
“HanuMan” emerges as a must-watch Indian superhero film, offering a perfect blend of entertainment for the entire family. Its relatability, native touch, and connection to Indian mythology set it apart from other fantasy films. Prasanth Varma’s creativity and the film’s technical brilliance make it a standout addition to the superhero genre. Don’t miss our Indian superhero flick!
