A Hero Rises from the Fables
Superhero films have engraved themselves into the framework of popular culture, commandeering a time-tested story arc of an underdog turned savior and a nemesis harnessing power for destruction. This genre thrives on its ability to engage the audience’s support for the hero and the stakes at play in the epic clash between good and evil. “HanuMan,” the brainchild of director Prasanth Varma, doesn’t stray far from these expectations, ingeniously blending epical elements from the Ramayana with pop culture references emblematic of Telugu cinema’s flair for entertainment.
The World of HanuMan
The film’s opening frames tip their hat to the influence of giants like Marvel and DC, as a boy entertains the fantasy of becoming another Spiderman following an arachnid bite. This serves to kickstart the narrative, leading us down a path that introduces Michael (Vinay Rai), or ‘M’, a megalomaniac hungry for superpowers, and his technologically-driven existence against the bucolic backdrop of Anjanadri, a town nestling amongst mountains and valleys shepherded by a gigantic carving of Hanuman.
The Underdog Emerges
In Anjanadri, we meet Hanumanthu (Teja Sajja), emblematic of the classic underdog—a carefree individual whose life revolves around his sister Anjamma (Varalaxmi Sarathkumar). The setting of Anjanadri could easily remind one of fictional realms often depicted in superhero ventures, but it’s the depiction of a simple and vibrant rural life untouched by urbanization that encapsulates the viewer, complete with a talking monkey named Koti, voiced by Ravi Teja.
Finding Its Pulse
“HanuMan” finds its cinematic beat after a while, and although constrained by a budget that sometimes reveals itself in less than stellar visual effects, the movie manages to anchor itself with emotional depth that compensates for any shortcomings.
Transition to Heroism
Approximately 40 minutes in, we are submerged into an extended underwater scene that exposes secrets while heralding the rise of our hero. Hanumanthu’s transformation is gradual, yet persuasive, underlining the adage that the world is indeed his for the taking.
An Assured Ensemble
Teja Sajja’s energetic portrayal anchors the captivating premise of “HanuMan”, buoyed by strong female characters such as Meenakshi (Amritha Aiyer) and Anjamma who are instrumental in steering him towards understanding and owning his newfound potential.
A Spectacle of Fun and Faith
Director Prasanth Varma doesn’t hold back in doling out entertainment, choreographing engaging action sequences that resonate with viewers both young and old. Sathya’s comedy and the film’s homage to Telugu stars, though appearing initially as mere fan service, cleverly underscore our habituation to perceiving icons as superheroes.
The film’s visual narrative deliciously utilizes the sun and daylight, accentuating the superpowers Hanumanthu embodies. Ramayana references seed applause-worthy moments throughout, and elements of faith are skilfully intertwined with mainstream cinematic techniques, including a delightful ‘avakaya’ song sequence.
Performance Notes
Varalaxmi Sarathkumar and Amritha Aiyer stand out for their strong supporting roles, while Getup Srinu, Vennela Kishore, and a surprise performance from Samuthirakani enrich the tapestry of the tale. The score by Gowra Hari perfectly aligns with the narrative’s heartbeat.
The Climax and Beyond
Admittedly, the climax’s visual effects do not entirely capture the ambitious scope the story sets out to achieve, but “HanuMan” cleverly lays the groundwork for an emerging superhero universe while maintaining a sense of cultural authenticity. The film concludes with a teaser for another superhero film in the making and leaves us curious to see how this creative team will expand its vision, perhaps with a fortification of resources.
“HanuMan” is a heartening attempt—a homegrown superhero wrapped in the comfort of childhood folklore and a tale crafted to entertain across audiences, ensuring that its cultural inheritance transcends to inspire a memorable cinematic journey.
