Director Prasanth Varma and actor Teja Sajja’s superhero film blends the familiar good versus evil superpower template with a touch of devotion, and tops it with entertaining masala segments
"HanuMan" is a noteworthy addition to the superhero genre in Telugu cinema, directed by Prasanth Varma and featuring Teja Sajja in the lead role. The film successfully weaves together a familiar superhero narrative with elements of devotion, drawing inspiration from the Ramayana. The story revolves around Hanumanthu, an underdog character with a carefree demeanor, who undergoes a gradual transformation upon discovering his superpowers. The movie cleverly introduces a juxtaposition between the high-tech world of the antagonist, Michael (played by Vinay Rai), and the picturesque town of Anjanadri, creating a visual contrast that adds depth to the narrative.
Acknowledging the influence of Marvel and DC superhero films, the opening segment sets the stage for a clash between the protagonist and the power-thirsty antagonist, known as M. Despite some budget limitations evident in the visual effects, the film manages to maintain emotional gravitas, keeping the audience engaged. Teja Sajja's energetic screen presence and convincing portrayal of Hanumanthu contribute significantly to the film's success. The character dynamics, particularly Hanumanthu's relationships with his sister Anjamma, childhood sweetheart Meenakshi, and friend Kaasi, add layers to the narrative, showcasing the protagonist's growth and the influence of those around him.
The director, Prasanth Varma, cleverly incorporates fun and massy segments, catering to both children and adults in the audience. The action sequences in the village are choreographed to provide ample entertainment, and the incorporation of pop culture references, including nods to popular Telugu cinema stars, adds a delightful touch. The film successfully blends faith with mainstream cinema tropes, utilizing references from the Ramayana to create clap-worthy moments.
While the visual effects may fall short of ambitious expectations in the climax, "HanuMan" manages to avoid overtly capitalizing on religious sentiments. Instead, it presents an entertaining homegrown superhero story that leverages familiar stories from childhood. The announcement of another superhero film in the end suggests potential for the creation of a superhero universe in Telugu cinema, leaving audiences intrigued about the team's future endeavors in this genre. Overall, "HanuMan" emerges as a fun and largely enjoyable ride, showcasing the potential for more engaging homegrown superhero tales in the future.
